Your first agent

An agent is a focused version of Microsoft Copilot with its own instructions and knowledge. Instead of explaining the same context every time, you build it once and reuse it.

Explore the current Microsoft Copilot training pathway for leaders, users and agent builders. Compare courses and prices

1. Pick the right first job

Good first agents answer questions from a defined set of documents, or apply a consistent method. For example:

• A policy assistant that answers from your HR or compliance policies.
• An onboarding guide for new joiners in your team.
• A writing coach that applies your house style.
• A matter or project FAQ grounded in one SharePoint folder.

Avoid anything that needs to take actions in other systems for your first build. Agent Builder does not author actions; that needs Microsoft Copilot Studio.

2. Create the agent

1. In the Microsoft Copilot app, select New agent. Agent Builder is available on the web (microsoft365.com/chat and office.com/chat) and in the Teams desktop and web apps, not on mobile.
2. Choose how to start: describe it in natural language (recommended), start from a template, or skip straight to the Configure tab.
3. On the Describe tab, explain what the agent is for, who will use it and what it should and should not do. Agent Builder fills in the name, description, instructions and starter prompts.

Create an agent that answers staff questions about our expenses and travel policy. Use only the documents in the Finance Policies SharePoint folder. Answer in plain British English, quote the policy section, and if the policy does not cover a question, say so and suggest contacting the finance team. Never give tax advice.

3. Add knowledge

Knowledge sources include public websites, SharePoint and OneDrive content, Teams chats and meetings, Outlook email, uploaded files and Microsoft Copilot connectors. Current limits per agent, according to Microsoft Learn:

Two settings to know:

• Only use specified sources tells the agent to prioritise your sources. It does not completely block general AI knowledge. For stricter control, use Copilot Studio.
• Reference people in organisation lets the agent use people data, such as roles and reporting lines.

4. Test it properly

Use the Try it tab. Test with:

• Three questions the documents clearly answer.
• Two questions they do not answer (does it admit it?).
• One awkward or ambiguous question.
• One question that tries to push it outside its job.

Refine the instructions in natural language until all seven behave.

5. Share it

Select Create, then share with specific people, a group or a team, depending on what your admin allows. Write a two-line description that tells people exactly when to use it.

6. Licence notes

Users with the Microsoft 365 Copilot licence can use agents grounded in work data at no extra charge. Copilot Chat users can use agents based on instructions and public websites; agents using shared work data such as SharePoint are pay-as-you-go for them, if your organisation has enabled it.