How to Build a Simple AI Agent in Microsoft Copilot

AI agents are quickly becoming one of the most transformative tools available to businesses. They represent a shift from simply using AI to actively deploying AI-powered digital workers that support, streamline and automate everyday tasks. While the concept may sound advanced, creating a practical agent in Microsoft Copilot is far more accessible than many organisations expect.

In our latest how‑to video, Bruce Penson from Pro Drive IT demonstrates how to build a straightforward agent designed to answer UK business tax questions using official HMRC guidance. This example highlights just how easy it is to get started — even without technical expertise.

Using Copilot Agent Builder, which is available to anyone with Copilot Chat included in their Microsoft 365 licence, Bruce shows how you can:

• Access Copilot through Windows, the web, Teams or Outlook
• Launch Agent Builder and choose whether to start from a template, configure manually, or let Copilot guide you
• Define the agent’s purpose — in this case, answering UK tax questions
• Add trusted knowledge sources such as the HMRC website to ensure accuracy
• Refine instructions so the agent responds consistently and only uses approved information
• Test your agent with real queries and share it securely with colleagues

One of the biggest advantages of agents is the ability to ground them in authoritative sources. By restricting the agent to the HMRC website, you ensure it delivers reliable, compliant information rather than pulling content from blogs or news sites. And for organisations with full Copilot licences, agents can also draw on internal documents, SharePoint libraries, Teams channels and Outlook mailboxes — opening the door to powerful, bespoke automation.

If you’d like help building agents tailored to your business processes, or want guidance on implementing Copilot securely and effectively, Pro Drive can support you.

Contact us via the Pro Drive website if you’d like help getting started.