Teams Tips: Intro to Copilot Agents – Tech Tip for January 1, 2026

In this week’s tech tip, we’re introducing Copilot Agents in Microsoft Teams—a new way to create focused, repeatable help directly inside Teams using natural language. If you followed last week’s tip on Teams workflows, this builds on that idea. Instead of automating actions, Copilot Agents automate knowledge and responses, helping you get consistent answers, summaries and guidance without starting from scratch each time.

These agents are designed for everyday users and can be created right in Teams—no coding, no admin access, and no complex setup required. Creating Copilot agents in Teams requires the Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 add-on license. Let’s jump in!

What is a Copilot Agent

A Copilot Agent is a customized version of Copilot that you configure for a specific purpose. You define what it should focus on, how it should respond, and what context it should use—then reuse it whenever you need it.

Agents work well for things like:

• Answering repeat questions.
• Summarizing information consistently.
• Guiding users through common processes.
• Acting as a personal or team assistant for a specific topic.

Create a Simple Copilot Agent in Teams

You can create an agent directly from the Copilot app in Teams in just a few steps.

From Teams:

• Select the ‘Copilot’ icon from the navigation bar at left.
  • If you do not see the Copilot icon, select ‘View more apps,’ and ‘Search’ or select ‘Copilot’ from available App options (if visible).
• Choose the ‘Create agent’ button.

From the Copilot Studio/New Agent Page:

By default, your landing page begins on the ‘Configure’ tab. Alternatively, choosing the ‘Describe’ tab will open Copilot to assist in building a new agent. The Describe and Configure tabs also offer access to several pre-built ‘quick start’ templates. Let’s go back to the ‘Configure’ tab.

• Give your agent a name (for example: “Project update helper”).
• Describe your agent (for example: “General project update helper agent”).
• Provide instructions for what the agent should do in plain language (for example: “Help summarize project updates in clear bullet points. Highlight action items with the owner and due date when mentioned. Keep the tone professional and concise.”).

• Select the ‘Create’ button (when enabled) to ‘save’ the new Copilot agent.

TIP: The ‘Create’ button will not enable (it remains ‘grayed back’ or ‘disabled’) until Name, Description, and Instructions basics are filled in.

• Select the ‘Go to agent’ button when it appears to be taken to your new agent.

TIP: For a basic starter agent, you don’t need to add any knowledge sources, capabilities, or suggested prompts. You can leave this empty and let the agent work from the content you provide in each prompt. You can always ‘edit’ the agent or add websites or files later as your agent becomes more specialized.

TIP: A good rule of thumb is to keep agents focused. This agent example is a general introduction. A clear purpose will always work better than trying to do everything.

TIP: Use natural language and start with the ‘personal.’ Creating individualized agents is a great way to learn! Lastly, refine your ideas over time to make your Copilot agent work better for you.

Once your starter Copilot agent is created, you can begin testing and prompting with the agent immediately by selecting ‘Project update helper’ listed under available Copilot agents and asking questions just like you would with Copilot itself in the ‘Message Copilot’ prompt area.

TIP: Want better answers from Copilot? Make your prompt count: combine your question with context and clear instructions to get the most from your Copilot’s responses.

Edit Your Copilot Agent:

• Select the ‘…’ (More option) next to the specific agent name in the Agents navigation menu, in this case, select the ‘…’ next to: ‘Project update helper’.
  • Choose ‘Edit’ and the Copilot agent for ‘Project update helper’ will again open in ‘Edit’ mode.
  • Alternatively: selecting ‘Share’ pops up sharing options, and ‘Uninstall’ removes your agent, respectively.

Copilot Agents make AI in Teams more practical by turning one-off prompts into reusable tools. Agents are easy to create, simple to use, and designed to fit naturally into how people already work within Teams. We hope you enjoyed this week’s tech tip and that you’ll try to create your own Copilot Agent!

Reach Out to TechWise Group

Interested in learning more about Microsoft Teams and Copilot Agents? Reach out to TechWise Group. We’ll help you make the most of your Microsoft tools.