Agents · Getting started
Agents: your AI specialists
An agent is a version of Copilot set up for one job, with its own instructions, knowledge and sometimes the ability to take action. Here is how to pick the right kind and build your first one.
For EveryoneTime About 10 minutes to build oneLevel Beginner to intermediate
Four kinds of agents
Start at the top. Most people only ever need the first two.
1
Ready-made agents
Agents Microsoft built for common jobs. Researcher handles multi-step research across your work data and the web. Analyst turns raw data into insights. More are in the Agent Store.
Where: Find them under Agents in the Copilot app.
Cost: Included with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license
2
Agents you build in minutes
Use Agent Builder to describe what you want in plain language, or start from a template. Point it at the right knowledge, like a SharePoint site or a set of files. No code needed.
Where: Select New agent in the Copilot app.
Cost: Included with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license
3
Advanced agents in Copilot Studio
A low-code tool for agents that connect to business systems, take actions and follow set workflows. Publish them to Teams, SharePoint or Copilot.
Where: Usually built by IT or power users.
Cost: Some use may be billed in Copilot Credits
4
Agents that work on their own
Cowork carries out multi-step tasks in the background. Autopilot, formerly Scout, is an always-on agent with a name, a role and a goal that keeps working when you are away.
Where: Cowork is part of Home. Autopilot is in private preview.
Cost: Billed in Copilot Credits
Build your first agent in about 10 minutes
Using Agent Builder in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app.
1
Open Agent BuilderIn the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, go to Agents in the left pane and select New agent.
2
Describe your agentTell Copilot in plain language what the agent should do, who it is for and how it should answer. Or start from a template.
3
Add the right knowledgeAdd only the sources it needs, like one SharePoint site, a few files or a public website. Less is safer and more accurate.
4
Add starter promptsWrite two or three example questions so people know what to ask your agent.
5
Test itTry normal questions and tricky ones. Check that it answers from the right sources and says when it does not know.
6
Share itHover over the agent, select More, then Share, and send the link to the people who need it.
Try describing your agent like this
"Create an agent that answers employee questions about our travel and expense policy. Use only the files in the HR Policies SharePoint site. Keep answers short, link to the policy section, and tell people to contact HR if the answer is not in the policy."
Agent ideas to try
Good first agents do one job well.
Policy helperAnswers questions about your HR, travel or IT policies, using only the official policy files.
New hire buddyHelps new employees find people, tools and first-week answers.
Project status reporterPulls together updates from project files and meetings into a weekly summary.
Meeting prep coachGathers notes, files and open items before recurring meetings.
Prompt coachHelps coworkers turn a rough request into a strong Copilot prompt.
Help desk FAQAnswers common tech questions and points people to the right support channel.
Keep it safe
Responsible agents
Before you share an agent
An agent can share anything in its knowledge sources with the people who use it. Make sure those files are not overshared before you connect them.
Give every agent an owner who keeps it up to date.
Write a clear name and description so people know what it is for and what it is not for.
Test with tricky questions, and make sure it says "I don't know" instead of guessing.
Review shared agents regularly and retire the ones nobody uses.
Is your data ready for agents?
Go further
Based on Microsoft support documentation for agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot, current as of November 2026. Features and costs depend on your license and your organization's settings. centerofAIExcellence.com