Microsoft has introduced a brand-new feature in its Microsoft 365 ecosystem: the Copilot App Builder agent. This tool is designed to make app creation accessible to everyone, even if you’ve never written a single line of code. For businesses and individuals looking to streamline processes or create custom solutions, this is a major step forward.
What is the Copilot App Builder Agent?
The App Builder agent is part of Microsoft 365 Copilot, an AI-powered assistant that helps you work smarter. Unlike traditional app development tools that require coding knowledge or specialized software, the App Builder agent uses natural language to create apps. You simply describe what you need, and Copilot builds it for you.
Think of it as having a personal developer who understands plain English. Whether you need an app to track expenses, manage team requests, or collect customer feedback, the App Builder agent makes it possible without the complexity of traditional development.
Key Features of the App Builder Agent
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Natural Language App Creation
Instead of writing code, you provide instructions in everyday language. For example:
“Create an app to track employee expenses with fields for name, amount, and date.”
Copilot interprets your request and generates a functional app. -
Integration with Microsoft 365
The apps you create can store data in its own SharePoint site. This means your data stays within the Microsoft ecosystem, making it easier to share and collaborate. -
Customization Without Coding
Want to add a new field or change the layout? You can do it through the same conversational interface. No need to dive into technical details. Just tell Copilot what you want! -
Security and Compliance
Built on Microsoft’s trusted platform, the App Builder agent ensures enterprise-grade security and compliance. Your apps are safe and meet organizational standards.
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How to Build Apps with the App Builder Agent
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Access the App Builder Agent
Open Microsoft 365 Copilot and select the App Builder agent. -
Describe Your App
Use natural language to explain what you need. For example:
“Create an app for event registration with fields for name, email, and session choice.” -
Review and Customize
Copilot will generate the app based on your description. You can then refine it by asking for changes like adding fields, adjusting layouts, or modifying logic—all through conversation.
This approach removes the barriers that have traditionally kept non-developers from creating apps. It’s fast, simple, and surprisingly powerful.
Where to Find Your Built App
Once you’ve created an app using the Copilot App Builder agent, you can easily access it from the App Builder screen. Look just below the chat box where you entered your prompts — you’ll see an Apps section with tabs like My apps, Shared with me, and All. Your newly created app will appear under My apps, making it simple to open, test, and share with others.
This centralized view ensures you can manage all your apps in one place without hunting through different menus. It’s designed for convenience and quick access so you can start using your app immediately after creation.
Current State: Preview and Potential Bugs
It’s important to note that the App Builder agent is currently in frontier. This means the feature is still evolving, and you may encounter occasional bugs or limitations. Some advanced customization options might not be available yet, and performance could vary depending on your environment.
Get my free Copilot Agent Roadmap to get you up to speed fast!
Security Note
One critical detail to understand: the code behind your app is not accessible to users. This is intentional for security reasons. All updates and iterations must happen through the same conversational interface you used to create the app. This ensures code integrity, prevents unauthorized changes, and keeps your apps secure.
