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Getting Started with Power Apps MCP Server for Canvas Apps

Updated: Aug 7

Are you looking to get started with the awesome new Power Apps MCP Server for Canvas apps but don’t have a clue how to install everything? If so, you’re in the right place! Below, we’ll provide clear instructions for those of us who aren’t ninjas when it comes to all this VS Code stuff.


We’ll walk you through step-by-step on how to install everything—VS Code, all the random weird things, and how to test it all. I’ve done this process a dozen times to simplify the instructions you’ve come to expect.


Keep in mind that the more unique configurations your PC has, the more your journey may vary. Every machine I’ve worked on has had slight differences. But don’t worry; you’ll get through this!


Also, remember that while the Power Apps Canvas MCP is free, you’ll need a GitHub Copilot license to use it in this scenario. You can also use the MCP server with Claude Code, Codex, or a dozen other services. But one way or another, you’ll need an LLM coding companion to utilize this.


These instructions focus on what you need to set up to use the MCP server on Windows via VS Code and GitHub Copilot. There are other ways to use this MCP, but this guide is just about the essentials to get rolling with your Canvas Apps. Enjoy!


PS - For a visual guide, check out the video walkthrough of these instructions here: Install and Configure Power Apps MCP.


Install VS Code via Download


  1. Go to this site and download Visual Studio Code (VS Code): Download Visual Studio Code - Mac, Linux, Windows.

  2. For most people, the defaults will work well. So, just follow the good old Next, Next, Finish method.

  3. Open VS Code from the Start menu if it isn't already open.

  4. Click on Use AI Features.

  5. Click Continue with GitHub to authenticate.

  6. Sign in or create an account (remember, you’ll need a paid account for this).

  7. Click the button to Authorize VS Code.

  8. Now, click on the icon in the bottom right corner to confirm you have GitHub Copilot running.

  9. Close VS Code for now; we’ll be back later.


Install NodeJS


  1. Visit the Node.js website: Node.js — Download Node.js®.

  2. Download the Windows Installer MSI and run it.

  3. Again, use the Next, Next, Finish method. There are many questions and optional components, but I didn’t need them for this to work.


Install Git for Windows


  1. Go to this website: Git for Windows.

  2. Click the big Download button and run it.

  3. Use the Next, Next, Finish method. Honestly, I have no clue what most of those settings are, but the defaults worked, so I went with them. 😊 Feel free to adjust anything; it’s your computer after all.


Install .NET 10 SDK


  1. Visit the .NET download page: Download .NET 10.0 (Linux, macOS, and Windows) | .NET.

  2. Download the Windows SDK and run it.

  3. Click Install. There’s nothing to choose, but it can be a slow install.


Install PowerShell 7


  1. Go to this website: https://aka.ms/PSWindows.

  2. Click the Get PowerShell 7 button.

  3. Click Install PowerShell on Windows.

  4. Download the MSI Package and run it.

  5. You guessed it—click Next, Next, Finish.


Install GitHub Copilot CLI


  1. Open VS Code.

  2. From the toolbar, click Terminal > New Terminal.

  3. At the prompt, type: `Copilot`.

  4. Install GitHub Copilot CLI when prompted.

  5. Choose Yes when asked if you trust the folder (assuming you do).

  6. Type `/login` at the prompt.

  7. Choose your account type.

  8. Press the Enter key; this opens a browser. Walk through the authorization steps.

  9. Switch back to VS Code.


Finally, Install the Power Apps MCP


  1. Still in the Terminal, type:

    ```

    /plugin marketplace add microsoft/power-platform-skills

    ```

  2. After you see Added Successfully, type:

    ```

    /plugin install canvas-apps@power-platform-skills

    ```

  3. Type Exit to close Copilot.

  4. Type Copilot to open it back up.


Test Your Hard Work


  1. Open a browser and go to make.PowerApps.com to create a blank canvas app.

  2. Save it.

  3. Navigate to Settings > Enable Coauthoring. This will automatically save and refresh the app.

  4. Refresh the browser again to make Coauthoring happier.

  5. Copy the URL for your App.

  6. Return to VS Code.

  7. Still in Copilot, in the Terminal, type:

    ```

    Configure Canvas MCP

    ```

  8. Choose Configure Globally when prompted.

  9. Paste your canvas app URL when asked.

10. Type Exit to close Copilot.

11. Type Copilot to open it back up.

12. Type Create a Green welcome screen with a blue button.

13. After a while, if you see a green screen in your Power Apps canvas app with a blue button, then you have SUCCESS!


Microsoft’s Documentation


If you want their official info on installing and such, it’s here: Microsoft Documentation. Also, their GitHub repository for this MCP server is here: GitHub Repository.


While you may not need it, sometimes the official documentation is good to check out.


Next Steps


Now you’re ready to start playing with GitHub Copilot! You can use it to create apps, edit apps, audit apps, and probably more. While creating apps, especially with data sources (even SharePoint), is interesting, the real value lies in review. Having the agent look for bugs and make recommendations in your existing apps is invaluable. A second set of eyes can’t be overappreciated.


If you want to see the Power Apps Canvas MCP server in action for creating and auditing apps, check out this video: Build Canvas Apps in VS Code with AI (NEW Power Apps Tool).


If you’re looking for help with what you should and shouldn’t be doing with AI and Power Apps, we’re here to assist. Just hit the Contact button and let us know. We’re happy to help with anything from a quick call to taking on your full project.


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