# Discover local models in GitHub Copilot CLI

By Steven Van · 2026-10-07

CLI version 1.0.94-0 lets users add and switch to an installed Ollama model during a session without restarting.

Local Ollama models now appear alongside configured models and Copilot cloud models in the /model picker in [GitHub](<https://creatorstoolbox.com/tools/github>) Copilot CLI, starting with version **1.0.94-0**.

## Add a model during a session

Discovery does not automatically add models. Select a discovered model, review its provider and endpoint, then choose “Add and use for this session” or “Add without switching”. Switching to the model does not require restarting the CLI. If a provider connection fails, the picker displays an explanation.

## Local model requirements

Ollama and the model must already be installed and running. The picker does not install a runtime or download models. Models must support tool calling and streaming; the documentation recommends a context window of at least 128k tokens for best results.

## Offline mode remains a separate setting

Choosing a local model does not enable offline mode or disable GitHub telemetry. Offline mode requires COPILOT\_OFFLINE=true to prevent the CLI from contacting GitHub’s servers. A remote provider can still receive prompts and code context over the network, even with offline mode enabled. The [provider and offline-mode documentation](<https://docs.github.com/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/use-byok-models?utm_source=changelog-cta-byok-model-documentation&utm_medium=changelog&utm_campaign=oct-7-event-oct-2026>) covers configuration and limits.

![GitHub](<https://github.githubassets.com/assets/GitHub-Mark-ea2971cee799.png>)

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[Original source](<https://github.blog/changelog/2026-10-07-discover-local-models-in-github-copilot-cli>)

[Read Discover local models in GitHub Copilot CLI on Creators Toolbox](<https://creatorstoolbox.com/blog/github-discover-local-models-in-github-copilot-cli>)

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Canonical source: https://creatorstoolbox.com/blog/github-discover-local-models-in-github-copilot-cli