AI-based copilot authoring overview

Microsoft Copilot Studio offers generative AI features to reduce manual authoring and dramatically expand the scope of a copilot’s knowledge and its ability to interact with users.

Generative AI is an artificial intelligence technology that uses large language models (LLMs) to generate original content and provide natural language understanding and responses. For details, see Technology guidance > Generative AI.

In Copilot Studio, you can use the following generative AI features to retrieve and create content, either individually or all together. For scenarios covering all these features, see the generative AI Quickstart guide.

• Create an instantly useful copilot. With no manual authoring of topics required, an "empty" copilot can generate answers based on knowledge sources you specify such as websites and files. See Generative answers.

• Harness AI general knowledge. When this option is enabled, the copilot can answer general questions unrelated to your specific knowledge sources or topics. See AI general knowledge.

• Author topics using natural language. Describe what you want your topic to do, and Copilot Studio creates it for you. Your copilot includes conversational responses and multiple types of nodes. Use the suggested default topic or as a starting point for further development. See Create and edit with Copilot Studio.

• Enable generative actions. Let the copilot select the most appropriate topics and actions (formerly known as plugins) at runtime. See Generative actions.

Using generative AI in Copilot Studio transforms how you build copilots, significantly reducing manual work and configuration.

Prerequisites

• An account for Microsoft Copilot Studio. If you don't have an account, see the Microsoft Copilot Studio introduction website and select Try free.

• The current version of Copilot Studio. The copilot type shouldn't be Classic. Classic copilots have (classic) added to their name, for example "Contoso store hours (classic)."

• AI-based authoring might be subject to usage limits or capacity throttling.

Next steps

• Get up and running with the generative AI quickstart guide.
• Dive in and start using generative answers capability in your copilots.
• Have a conversation with the AI to author topics.
• Use generative actions to call your actions automatically at runtime.