GitHub has enabled requesting Copilot code reviews through REST and GraphQL APIs and introduced a per-request option to set the review effort level. As part of the rollout, Balanced is the default review effort level for new and existing repositories and organizations using Copilot code review, with the ability to override that setting on a per-request basis.
API ACCESS AND PER-REQUEST CONTROL
Developers can now trigger Copilot code reviews via REST or GraphQL APIs. When placing a review request, users may optionally specify the review effort level for that particular review. This enables teams to integrate Copilot code review into scripts, workflows, and internal tooling that they already use. TechStaged has also covered GitHub Copilot PR Context Makes AI Code Review Easier to Manage.
- REST API support for Copilot code review
- GraphQL API support for Copilot code review
- Per-request control of review effort level
BALANCED BECOMES THE DEFAULT REVIEW EFFORT LEVEL
In line with the August 28, 2026 announcement, the default review effort level for Copilot code review is now Balanced for both new and existing repositories and organizations. The change took effect on September 28, 2026. If an admin has explicitly selected Lite, that choice is respected.
- Default is now Balanced for new and existing setups
- Effectivity date: September 28, 2026
- Lite setting remains respected when chosen
AVAILABILITY AND CONFIGURATION AT MULTIPLE SCOPES
The changes are generally available to Copilot Pro, Pro+, Max, Business, and Enterprise plans. Configuration can be managed at multiple levels within an organization: Enterprise settings, Organization settings, Repository settings, and Personal settings.
- General availability across major Copilot plans
- Enterprise: AI controls → Agents → Copilot code review
- Organization: Copilot → Code review
- Repository: Copilot → Code review
- Personal: Copilot settings → Copilot → Code review
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR TEAMS
Teams can bring Copilot code review into their own systems, enabling reviews to start from the tools they already use. This integration supports the flow of code reviews into automated pipelines and internal tooling, helping standardize how AI-assisted feedback is requested and received.
- Enable API-based code reviews in scripts and pipelines
- Default Balanced review level for consistency
- Per-request overrides for tailored reviews
RELATED COVERAGE
- GitHub Copilot PR Context Makes AI Code Review Easier to Manage
- GitHub expands SecurityAdvisory GraphQL API with five new fields and two filters
- GitHub opens REST API for repository security advisory comments in public preview
- GitHub Copilot Desktop App Opens to Every Copilot Plan
- Developer Tools articles
SOURCES
- Archive: 2026 - GitHub Changelog: Copilot code review: API support and new default effort level Published · Primary source
