Getting Started: MCUXpresso for VS Code Installation & Setup for AI

[#1]

Introduction

This Getting Started guide explains how to configure MCUXpresso for VS Code so GitHub Copilot agents can use available AI skills and MCP servers effectively when developing with MCUXpresso software and tools. If you already have MCUXpresso for VS Code installed, you can skip to Step 2 to enable Agentic AI features. 

Note: The AI support in the MCUXpresso for VS Code extension is currently an experimental option. Users must enable the support after the extension is installed.

Install the Tools

The MCUXpresso Installer installs everything you need from a single application. Work through the prerequisites and the two steps below to reach a system that is ready to evaluate the NXP Agentic AI features with GitHub Copilot in VS Code.

Prerequisites

Prerequisite	Version	Link
MCUXpresso Installer	26.09+	Download

Note: The MCUXpresso Installer will install ALL software required – VS Code, the extension, and other software dependencies. Follow the instructions below and a single step will establish the base setup.

Step 1 – Install MCUXpresso for VS Code

Installer options

1. Enter Administrator mode. On Windows, you may need to run the installer as an administrator to avoid permission-related installation issues.
2. Download and install the MCUXpresso Installer utility. 
   1. 
3. Launch MCUXpresso Installer from your desktop.
4. Select the following components to install:
   • MCUXpresso SDK Developer
   • Arm GNU Toolchain
   • Standalone Toolchain Add-ons
   • LinkServer
   • MCUXpresso Configuration Tools

Note: All other components in the Installer are not required for initial development but can be added later based on other use cases.

5. Click the Install button.

Note: The Show details button will expand the selected kits to reveal other items installed as dependencies.

 

6. A green check mark will appear next to each item once installation has successfully completed.

Step 2 – Enable Experimental AI in MCUXpresso for VS Code

Open VS Code Settings

Open Settings for the MCUXpresso for VS Code extension to enable the experimental features that support Agentic AI development:

1. Launch VS Code.
2. Open Settings with the shortcut Ctrl + , (Ctrl and comma).
3. Filter by typing mcupresso experimental copilot.
4. Click the box to enable the MCUXpresso Agentic AI resources.
5. Close and relaunch VS Code to finish Agentic AI setup.

Done: Your system is now ready to begin evaluating the NXP Agentic AI features using GitHub Copilot in VS Code.

Step 3 – Set up GitHub Copilot AI in VS Code

AI features in VS Code require the user to log in to a valid GitHub account. You can use a personal account and receive a Free license, or use a corporate account that may provide Business-level Copilot access.

1. Display the GitHub Copilot Chat pane. Click on the Right Pane icon in the upper-right corner.
2. Click on the GitHub Copilot icon in the lower-right corner.
3. Log in to a valid GitHub account and authorize VS Code to link with the account.

Done: The GitHub Copilot AI features are now active in the Chat pane.

Videos

The following videos help cover the Getting Started process with GitHub Copilot in VS Code: 

1. Connect a GitHub account to Copilot in VS Code and verify it with a simple AI prompt.

2. Use Copilot Chat agents, models, context, dictation, history, targets, and permissions in VS Code

3. Configure Copilot tools, skills, workspace access, models, and privacy settings in VS Code.

---