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GitHub Copilot for JetBrains Adds Persistent Memory and Ollama Support

GitHub Copilot for JetBrains now includes persistent memory, local model access via Ollama, and enhanced enterprise controls, alongside improvements to chat workflows and reliability.

By Illumora Editorial

Source · Aug 11, 2026, 8:15 PM · On Illumora · Aug 11, 2026, 8:22 PM

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Read the source →GitHub Changelog (Copilot) — Copilot memory and Ollama in GitHub Copilot for JetBrains - GitHub Changelog
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GitHub has updated GitHub Copilot for JetBrains, introducing persistent memory and local model access. This update also provides more enterprise controls for administrators and addresses reliability issues across various components.

Key Points

  • GitHub Copilot for JetBrains now supports persistent memory, allowing it to retain context across agent chat sessions.
  • Users can manage the memory feature via a toggle in the Copilot settings portal.
  • Ollama is now available as a Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) provider within GitHub Copilot for JetBrains, supporting provider configuration and model selection.
  • Enterprise administrators gain more server-based controls for managing GitHub Copilot, including plugin availability, MCP server access, permission bypass, and OpenTelemetry settings.
  • Copilot CLI can now be automatically installed from integrated terminals on macOS, Linux, and Windows.
  • Codex sessions are visible in agent debug logs, and Codex workflows support updated permission modes and customizations.
  • The update improves reliability for MCP execution, terminal output, customizations, cloud agents, and diff-based editing.

Context

According to the GitHub Changelog, this update aims to enhance the developer experience within JetBrains IDEs by providing more contextual assistance and flexibility. The introduction of persistent memory helps maintain continuity in conversations, reducing the need to re-enter project details. The integration of Ollama offers users more options for local model access, aligning with diverse development environments.

Why It Matters

These updates offer developers and organizations greater control and efficiency when using GitHub Copilot within JetBrains environments. Persistent memory can streamline workflows by reducing repetitive input, while Ollama support provides flexibility for local model deployment. Enhanced enterprise controls allow organizations to better manage Copilot's deployment and behavior across their teams.

What To Do

  • Update to the latest version of the GitHub Copilot plugin for JetBrains.
  • Explore the Copilot Memory toggle in the Copilot settings portal to manage context retention.
  • Investigate Ollama as a BYOK provider for local model integration within JetBrains.
  • Review the enterprise managed settings for GitHub Copilot to configure organizational controls.
  • Note the automatic installation of Copilot CLI from integrated terminals on supported operating systems.