Creating agents with Microsoft Copilot Studio - Step by Step

Key insights

• Microsoft Copilot Studio is a cloud-based service that allows users to create advanced AI agents for various applications, enhancing automation and efficiency within Microsoft 365.


• The platform integrates the latest AI models, such as those from OpenAI, enabling the creation of custom agents that can be deployed across multiple channels like Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.


• Advantages include enhanced productivity through task automation, flexibility in customizing agents for specific scenarios, integration with various data sources, and robust security features.


• Users can start creating agents using options such as guided setup, leveraging templates, or manual configuration. Agents can be further connected to external systems using Power Automate flows.


• The 2025 release wave introduces new features like support for custom agents with Microsoft 365 Copilot, an improved embedded builder within Copilot Studio, new conversational channels including WhatsApp, and access to additional enterprise knowledge sources.


• Key Concepts: Enhanced Productivity, Customization and Flexibility, Integration Capabilities, Security and Governance.

Introduction to Microsoft Copilot Studio

Microsoft Copilot Studio is a cutting-edge, cloud-based service designed to empower users to create sophisticated AI agents for various applications. This platform allows users to build standalone agents for customer and employee care scenarios, extend Microsoft 365 Copilot, or develop autonomous agents that leverage AI and actions to perform complex operations on behalf of users. With its comprehensive authoring canvas, users can easily design, test, and publish agents, enabling generative AI-enabled conversations and automated workflows.

What is This Technology About?

Microsoft Copilot Studio is built on the foundation of integrating the latest AI models, such as those from OpenAI, to enhance the capabilities of agents. It supports the creation of custom agents that can be published across multiple channels, including Teams, SharePoint, and even social media platforms. The platform is integrated with the Power Platform, allowing seamless management and governance of agents through tools like Power Automate and Microsoft Purview.

Advantages of Using This Technology

The advantages of using Microsoft Copilot Studio include:

• Enhanced Productivity: By automating repetitive tasks and workflows, organizations can significantly boost productivity and efficiency.
• Customization and Flexibility: Users can create agents tailored to specific business scenarios, allowing for greater control over responses and actions.
• Integration Capabilities: The platform supports integration with a wide range of data sources and applications, making it versatile for various business needs.
• Security and Governance: It offers robust governance features, including end-user activity auditing and customer-managed encryption keys, ensuring secure and compliant agent deployment.

Basics of the Technology

To get started with Microsoft Copilot Studio, users have several options for creating agents:

• Guided Setup: The platform offers a guided setup process where the AI asks questions to help create an agent based on user inputs.
• Templates: Users can leverage Microsoft-provided templates to customize agents for specific use cases.
• Manual Creation: For more control, users can manually configure agents using the "Create" option.

Once an agent is created, users can configure follow-up actions using Power Automate flows, connect external systems, and publish the agent across various channels.

What is New About This Approach?

The 2025 release wave 1 for Microsoft Copilot Studio introduces several new features:

• Support for Custom Agents with Microsoft 365 Copilot: Users can now create custom agents that integrate seamlessly with Microsoft 365 Copilot, enhancing its capabilities.
• Enhanced Embedded Builder: The Copilot Studio embedded builder within Microsoft Copilot has been improved, offering more robust agent creation capabilities.
• New Conversational Channels: Agents can now be published on additional channels like WhatsApp and SharePoint, expanding their reach.
• Enterprise Knowledge Sources: The platform supports additional enterprise knowledge sources, allowing agents to access more comprehensive data.

Overall, Microsoft Copilot Studio represents a significant advancement in AI-driven agent creation, offering businesses a powerful tool to automate processes, enhance customer experiences, and streamline operations with cutting-edge technology.

Keywords

Microsoft Copilot Studio, creating agents, AI development tools, Microsoft AI solutions, Copilot features, agent creation tutorial, AI automation with Microsoft, Copilot Studio guide