diff --git a/.github/copilot-instructions.md b/.github/copilot-instructions.md
index 8baa747243fd..d1fa56ca5b54 100644
--- a/.github/copilot-instructions.md
+++ b/.github/copilot-instructions.md
@@ -16,6 +16,17 @@
 **REQUIRED CONDITIONS:**
 - To use Azure MCP tool calls, users must have PowerShell installed. Provide [PowerShell installation instructions](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/scripting/install/installing-powershell) if not installed, and recommend restarting the IDE to start the MCP server.
 
+### RULE 4: USE VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS
+**ALWAYS run Python commands in a virtual environment (venv).**
+- All Python operations (pip, tox, pytest, etc.) must be executed within an activated virtual environment
+- Create a virtual environment using: `python -m venv env`
+- Activate before running commands:
+  - Windows (PowerShell): `env\Scripts\Activate.ps1`
+  - Linux/Mac: `source env/bin/activate`
+  - Windows (CMD): `env\Scripts\activate.bat`
+- Reference: [Python virtual environment documentation](https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/venv.html)
+- Reference: [Azure SDK dev setup guide](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-python/blob/main/doc/dev/dev_setup.md)
+
 ---
 
 ## PYLINT OPERATIONS
@@ -26,8 +37,12 @@
 - [Official pylint guide](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-python/blob/main/doc/dev/pylint_checking.md)
 - [Tox formatting guide](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-python/blob/main/doc/dev/tests.md#tox)
 
+**PREREQUISITES:**
+- Ensure you are in an activated virtual environment before running pylint commands
+
 **COMMAND:**
 ```bash
+# After activating your virtual environment
 tox -e pylint --c <path_to_tox.ini> --root .
 ```
 
@@ -64,6 +79,7 @@ tox -e pylint --c <path_to_tox.ini> --root .
 - [MyPy fixing guide](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-python/blob/main/doc/dev/static_type_checking_cheat_sheet.md)
 
 **REQUIREMENTS:**
+- Ensure you are in an activated virtual environment before running MyPy commands
 - Use Python 3.9 compatible environment
 - Follow official fixing guidelines
 - Use tox mcp tool for running MyPy