Copilot agents can otherwise be called ‘mini experts’ that boost Copilot actions to stand alone. Each agent can specialize in a particular task or be targeted for one application, such as drafting an email in Outlook, generating data insights in Excel, or looking for files added in the SharePoint folder and summarizing the information available in the document. These agents work together to pull information and add context from across the Microsoft 365 suite of apps to provide helpful responses and actions.
Copilot Agents are Game Changers
In the real world, every time, a user cannot trigger an action to perform something and respond back. The real magic happens by connecting Copilot agents with the data and context from different apps and responding in a scheduled manner. This interconnection allows you to get recommendations based on a broader context without manually switching between apps or logging in to separate windows.
This feature makes Microsoft 365 Copilot a true copilot by enabling users to work faster, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance their productivity by having a second set of hands that is intelligent enough to understand and act autonomously.
![Microsoft 365 Copilot]()
Image source: Microsoft / microsoft.com
Agent Builder Tools
To build an agent by declaring instructions, actions, and knowledge to extend and customize Microsoft 365 Copilot. Such agents are called ‘Declarative Agents’.
![Declarative Agents]()
Image source: Microsoft / microsoft.com
Declarative Agents are built to enhance the user experience by allowing them to create personalized and tailored interactions and responses with a similar look and feel.
![Tailored interactions]()
Image source: Microsoft / microsoft.com
Build a declarative agent if you want a specific agent for tasks and domain knowledge. These agents can be built in multiple ways.
![Domain]()
Image source: Microsoft / microsoft.com
- Using Visual Studio Code with the help of Teams AI Library
- Building using Microsoft Copilot Studio
- Microsoft 365 Copilot agent builder
- SharePoint Copilot Agents
Option 1. Using Visual Studio Code
Build declarative agents using Teams Toolkit
Steps. Open Visual Studio Code, install Teams Toolkit, and choose Create New App.
![Teams Toolkit]()
Image source: Microsoft / microsoft.com
![New Project]()
Image source: Microsoft / microsoft.com
Deploy and Test the agent
Make sure that Microsoft 365 Copilot is available for your organization.
![Deploy and Test]()
Image source: Microsoft / microsoft.com
Option 2. Microsoft Copilot Studio
To build agents with low code or no code platforms and deploy to the destination as fast as possible using the Copilot Studio.
![Copilot Studio]()
Image source: Microsoft / microsoft.com
Option 3. Agent Builder (Microsoft 365 Copilot)
Businesses can develop simple agents without even having access to the Copilot Studio.
Navigate to the Copilot page and click on ‘Create Agent’.
![Create Agent]()
Image source: Microsoft / microsoft.com
Option 4. SharePoint Copilot Agents
Building agents using grounding data from SharePoint files.
![SharePoint files]()
Image source: Microsoft / microsoft.com
Benefits of implementing declarative agents
- Known User Interface: Utilizing the same friendly user interface with the Microsoft 365 Copilot.
- Leveraging Existing Knowledge: You don’t have to build a new knowledge base; instead, you can use the existing source as knowledge.
- Quick Integration with Actions: Extending the agent by providing powerful mechanisms for building plugins or consuming existing APIs for quick integration.
- Being Responsible AI: Prioritizing security, privacy, and compliance is the most wanted for any enterprise.
I will keep you posted in more detail in my upcoming articles. Keep watching this space.