GitHub

Dev Tools Key required Editor's pick

GitHub stars33.8k

Forks5.3k

LicenseMIT

Last activityOct 19, 2026

Open issues380

Repository: github/github-mcp-server · Data checked Oct 2026

About

Let your agent read and manage your GitHub repos, issues, and PRs.

Details

docker run -i --rm -e GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN ghcr.io/github/github-mcp-server

Checked by plugmyagent · Sep 19, 2026

Source Back to MCP

PlugMyAgent ScorecardChecked Oct 2026

Well kept

Actively maintained, widely adopted, a key or two to set up.

MaintenanceStrong

Last commit Oct 19, 2026.

Community adoptionStrong

33.8k GitHub stars.

Setup effortFair

Needs GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN.

LicenseStrong

Open license: MIT.

Listing freshnessStrong

Checked by plugmyagent on Sep 19, 2026.

Rules: Methodology · Scores are never sold or adjusted for anyone.

Config for your agent

Pick your agent and copy the block into its MCP config file. The setup guide shows where that file lives for each agent.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "github": {
      "args": [
        "run",
        "-i",
        "--rm",
        "-e",
        "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN",
        "ghcr.io/github/github-mcp-server"
      ],
      "command": "docker",
      "env": {
        "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN": "your-token"
      }
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "github": {
      "args": [
        "run",
        "-i",
        "--rm",
        "-e",
        "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN",
        "ghcr.io/github/github-mcp-server"
      ],
      "command": "docker",
      "env": {
        "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN": "your-token"
      }
    }
  }
}

[mcp_servers.github]
command = "docker"
args = ["run", "-i", "--rm", "-e", "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN", "ghcr.io/github/github-mcp-server"]
env = { GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN = "your-token" }

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "github": {
      "args": [
        "run",
        "-i",
        "--rm",
        "-e",
        "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN",
        "ghcr.io/github/github-mcp-server"
      ],
      "command": "docker",
      "env": {
        "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN": "your-token"
      }
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "github": {
      "args": [
        "run",
        "-i",
        "--rm",
        "-e",
        "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN",
        "ghcr.io/github/github-mcp-server"
      ],
      "command": "docker",
      "env": {
        "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN": "your-token"
      }
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "github": {
      "args": [
        "run",
        "-i",
        "--rm",
        "-e",
        "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN",
        "ghcr.io/github/github-mcp-server"
      ],
      "command": "docker",
      "env": {
        "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN": "your-token"
      }
    }
  }
}

[mcp_servers.github]
command = "docker"
args = ["run", "-i", "--rm", "-e", "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN", "ghcr.io/github/github-mcp-server"]
env = { GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN = "your-token" }

{
  "servers": {
    "github": {
      "args": [
        "run",
        "-i",
        "--rm",
        "-e",
        "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN",
        "ghcr.io/github/github-mcp-server"
      ],
      "command": "docker",
      "env": {
        "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN": "your-token"
      }
    }
  }
}

How to use it

Copy the config block above for your agent.
Paste it into your agent's MCP config file.
Restart your agent so it picks up the new server.
Ask your agent to use it.

Before you install

Is it free?: Yes. GitHub is open source under the MIT license and free to run. It needs an API key from the provider; a free account or free tier covers normal use.
What do I need first?: Docker Desktop, installed and running; values for GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN (they go in the env block of the config).

If it does not show up

Fully quit and relaunch your agent app after editing the config. Closing the window is not always enough for desktop apps.
Check the JSON is valid: one trailing comma breaks the whole file. Our MCP Config Validator checks it in your browser.
If the log says "docker: command not found", the runtime above is missing or the app cannot see your PATH. Install it, then relaunch the app.
If the server starts but every call fails, a credential is usually wrong or expired: GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN.
Docker servers also fail silently when Docker Desktop is not running yet. Start it first, then relaunch your agent.