GitHub Copilot Expands into App Modernization for .NET

In July, GitHub Copilot introduced a powerful new capability: App Modernization for .NET, now available in public preview. This feature brings AI-driven modernization tooling directly into Visual Studio, enabling enterprises to accelerate and automate the migration of legacy .NET applications to Microsoft Azure.

What It Does

The new Copilot capability analyzes existing application codebases to identify modernization opportunities, recommend Azure-native services, and apply best-practice code transformations. It then validates successful builds and test results—all with human-in-the-loop approval to maintain control and code quality.

Teams can use predefined migration scenarios to move from on-premises SQL, file storage, and identity systems to fully managed Azure resources. The result is a significant reduction in both migration time and risk.

Learn more in GitHub’s announcement: GitHub Copilot App Modernization for .NET Enters Public Preview

Why This Matters

Cloud Modernization Becomes a Predictable, Guided Experience

Copilot evaluates code, recommends modernization paths, and automatically remediates common issues—allowing teams to modernize legacy workloads in days or weeks, not years.

AI-Driven with Human Oversight

By combining automation with human-in-the-loop validation, Copilot accelerates migration tasks such as transitioning to managed identities, Azure Blob/File Storage, and Entra ID, while preserving developer control and ensuring safe code changes.

Built for Complex, Enterprise-Scale Scenarios

The tool supports a variety of predefined modernization patterns—covering database migrations, credential hardening, and message queue conversions—reducing manual effort and aligning to Microsoft best practices.

Deep Integration with Azure Ecosystem

Copilot’s modernization tools integrate with Azure Migrate, AppCAT, and Migration and Modernization Program (MCP) services to improve accuracy in planning, execution, and post-migration validation. This alignment helps IT leaders and architects maintain visibility, control costs, and ensure modernization success.

Final Thoughts

For organizations running legacy .NET workloads, GitHub Copilot’s app modernization capabilities mark a major step forward. By bringing AI-driven guidance, automation, and integrated validation into Visual Studio, Microsoft is making cloud transformation faster, safer, and more predictable than ever before.