GitHub Copilot: failed to initiate the GitHub login process: retrieving github device code

Problem

GitHub Copilot fails to authenticate with the following error messages:

OS: Windows

Cause

If IDE is not 'run as administrator' but copilot agent at following path is 'run as administrator': %APPDATA%\JetBrains\IntelliJIdea2025.1\plugins\github-copilot-intellij\copilot-agent\bin\copilot-agent-win.exe The plugin's nodejs agent maybe does not have the permission and will not be triggered, therefore the plugin will not work.

Resolution

Try to run IntelliJ and set copilot agent both with 'run as administrator' or both without the setting.

If elevation is not possible

Attach a screenshot of the failing sign-in dialog and the IDE build number when escalating to internal IT.