# Set up Copilot Memory and review Dreaming

> Save a Copilot preference and review it; optional Dreaming uses AI credits even when a run changes nothing.

Source: https://fullbytedeveloper.com/blog/copilot-memory-dreaming-setup
Keyword: TIDY
Published: 2026-11-01

Copilot Memory can save a preference across sessions, but asking it to remember something does not guarantee it will store or use it. GitHub announced general availability on paid Copilot plans on 2026-10-28. I suggest starting with one preference you can check. [1] [2]

## Ask Copilot to remember one preference

If Memory is enabled for your account, paste GitHub's example into a Copilot conversation. It tells Copilot how to format your pull request descriptions. [1]

```text
Remember to start my pull request descriptions with a TL;DR
```

The model decides whether to save a memory. For guidance you need consistently, GitHub recommends custom instructions. State whether a new memory applies to you across projects or to everyone working in the current repository. [2]

## Check whether the CLI allows memory

In an interactive Copilot CLI session, enter the command from GitHub's personal settings documentation. This is a Copilot command, not a shell command. [3]

```text
/memory show
```

You should see the client setting and a link to manage stored memories on GitHub. A locally enabled setting does not override account or repository policies. [3]

If personal Memory is off, open your profile menu on GitHub, choose Copilot settings, and find Copilot Memory under Features. Enable it there if your organization allows it. The CLI can also have its own opt-out. [3]

## Review what Copilot stored

Open your GitHub profile menu, choose Copilot settings, then Memory in the sidebar. Per GitHub's docs, this is where you review and delete personal preferences. Check whether the saved text says what you intended. [3]

For repository facts, open the repository's Settings, then Copilot, then Memory. GitHub requires write access and enabled personal preferences, including any required organization permission, to view or delete those facts. Repository memory controls are separate. [5]

## Decide whether to enable Dreaming

Memory works without Dreaming. GitHub describes Dreaming as optional background maintenance that can revise or delete memories and propose changes to checked-in instructions through pull requests. Those files change only if you merge the pull request. [4]

**Warning:** every Dreaming run uses AI credits, including runs that change nothing. GitHub's initial public preview excludes Copilot Pro, requires access to GPT-6.1 Sol, and requires session syncing for personal memory curation and repository customization. Check those requirements and your spending controls before enabling it. [4]

For personal memories, open GitHub Settings, then Copilot, then Features. With Copilot Memory enabled, set the Dreaming dropdown to Enabled. This does not enable Dreaming for your repositories, and organization policies can prevent it. [3]

## Inspect a Dreaming run before using its changes

In the Copilot app, open Automations, then Dreaming. Open a completed personal or repository run and inspect its memory changes. Repository runs appear for repositories you added to the app. GitHub schedules runs; refreshing the list does not start one. [5]

You should see the run status and, when available, memory additions, updates or removals. Open any linked pull request and review proposed instruction changes before merging. [5]

You have a place to inspect what Copilot remembers and a separate decision about whether to pay for background Dreaming runs.

## Sources

1. [GitHub changelog: Memory and Dreaming availability](https://github.blog/changelog/2026-10-28-github-intelligence-puts-your-code-context-and-history-to-work/)
2. [GitHub Docs: Manually creating memories for GitHub Copilot](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/use-copilot-agents/copilot-memory/create-memories)
3. [GitHub Docs: Managing Copilot Memory for your personal account](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/use-copilot-agents/copilot-memory/manage-for-yourself)
4. [GitHub Docs: About GitHub Copilot Dreaming](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/concepts/prompting-and-context/copilot-dreaming)
5. [GitHub Docs: Managing Copilot Memory for repositories](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/use-copilot-agents/copilot-memory/manage-as-administrator)

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