Agent flows in Microsoft Copilot Studio FAQ

This article answers common questions about agent flows in Microsoft Copilot Studio.

What are agent flows in Microsoft Copilot Studio?

Agent flows are automated sequences of actions that are triggered by specific events or conditions. Agent flows help streamline repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, and ensure consistency in processes. They can range from simple tasks, like sending notifications, to complex workflows that involve multiple systems and integrations.

How are agent flows different from topics in Copilot Studio?

Both topics and agent flows are deterministic pathways for automation—that is, given the same inputs, they'll always produce the same output, making them reliable and predictable.

However, topics are optimized for managing conversational flows. They can be enhanced with actions for automation behind the scenes of the conversation. Agent flows are optimized for managing business processes. They have more comprehensive automation capabilities for nonconversational processes.

How are agent flows in Copilot Studio different from cloud flows in Power Automate?

Agent flows in Copilot Studio and cloud flows in Power Automate serve distinct purposes and offer different functionalities, although they can complement each other in automation tasks.

Agent flows in Copilot Studio are designed to provide a native experience for building and integrating agents with business models. They focus on intelligent, AI-driven automation and interaction with systems. Agent flows are optimized for use in Copilot Studio, offering a seamless maker experience that simplifies and accelerates agent development. Unlike cloud flows, which require a Power Automate license, agent flows are billed through Copilot Studio based on consumption, without requiring individual licensing. This model helps customers scale process transformation enterprise-wide. Also unlike cloud flows, agent flows can't be copied, shared, have co-owners, or give run-only permissions in Copilot Studio.

Cloud flows in Power Automate provide a flexible, low-code approach to automating workflows across various applications and services. They offer a wide range of connectors and actions to integrate with different systems and services. Cloud flows are designed for general automation scenarios and can be used independently or with agent flows to create end-to-end automation solutions.

Why can't I see my flows in Copilot Studio?

Your flows were probably created in Power Automate. The Copilot Studio Flows page only displays agent flows created in Copilot Studio. Flows that were created in Power Automate must be managed in Power Automate, unless you convert them to agent flows.

I want to add a flow to an agent. Are there any requirements?

To add a flow to an agent, it must be a solution flow and contain the Run a flow from Copilot trigger and the Respond to Copilot action.

Can an agent flow be used in multiple agents? 

Yes. You can add an agent flow as an action to any of your agents as needed.

Do I need a Power Automate license to create flows in Copilot Studio?

No. Agent flows are billed in Copilot Studio based on usage. They aren't included entitlements in Power Automate.

Can I use premium connectors in an Agent Flow?

Yes. Agent Flows are premium flows that can use premium connectors.