diff --git a/.github/copilot-instructions.md b/.github/copilot-instructions.md
index 5c9f96eba10f..1246b552de13 100644
--- a/.github/copilot-instructions.md
+++ b/.github/copilot-instructions.md
@@ -136,9 +136,9 @@ When working with public API changes:
 
 1. **NEVER commit directly to `main`** - Always create a feature branch for your work. Direct commits to `main` are strictly prohibited.
 
-2. **Do NOT rebase, squash, or force-push** unless explicitly requested by the user. These operations rewrite git history and can cause problems for other contributors. Default behavior should be regular commits and pushes.
+2. **When amending an existing PR, work on the PR's branch directly** - Do NOT create a separate branch off a PR branch. The PR branch already IS a feature branch. Creating a new branch off it means CI won't run on the original PR, defeating the purpose. Use `gh pr checkout` to switch to the PR branch, make your changes, commit, **then** ask before pushing so the user can review locally first.
 
-3. **When amending an existing PR, do NOT automatically push** - After making changes to an existing PR branch, ask the user before pushing. This allows the user to review the changes locally first. Exception: If the user's instructions explicitly include pushing, proceed without asking.
+3. **Do NOT rebase, squash, or force-push** unless explicitly requested by the user. These operations rewrite git history and can cause problems for other contributors. Default behavior should be regular commits and pushes.
 
 **Safe Git Workflow:**
 ```bash
@@ -157,9 +157,16 @@ git push
 ```
 
 **When asked to update an existing PR:**
-1. Make the requested changes
-2. Stage and commit the changes
-3. **STOP and ask the user** before pushing: "Changes are committed locally. Would you like me to push these changes to the PR?"
+```bash
+# Check out the PR branch directly (do NOT create a new branch off it)
+gh pr checkout 12345
+
+# Make fixes and commit to the PR branch
+git add .
+git commit -m "Fix: Description of the change"
+```
+1. **STOP and ask the user** before pushing: "Changes are committed locally. Would you like me to push these changes to the PR?"
+2. Exception: If the user's instructions explicitly include pushing, proceed without asking.
 
 ### Documentation
 - Update XML documentation for public APIs