Copilot Studio - Unlocking the Power of Custom AI Experiences

The interest is building around Copilot Studio in our region, but most of us are still in the dark about what it is about. At this point, most of us are using Copilot for Microsoft 365 for simple tasks that create efficiency in productivity, but there is a whole other side that allows for flexibility and…innovation in your hands. Whether you're a Microsoft Partner looking to differentiate your offerings or a customer aiming to modernize workflows, understanding Copilot Studio is your first step toward transforming business processes with AI.

What Is Copilot Studio?

Copilot Studio is Microsoft’s evolution of Power Virtual Agents, now deeply integrated into the Copilot ecosystem. It allows users to create custom copilots—AI-powered assistants that can interact with users, automate tasks, and connect to data across Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and beyond.

Unlike traditional chatbots, copilots built in Copilot Studio are context-aware, multi-turn conversational, and can be enhanced with Agents that perform complex tasks, access enterprise data, and trigger workflows.

Why Copilot Studio Matters

Here’s why Copilot Studio is a game-changer for businesses:

• Low-Code Development: Business users and citizen developers can build copilots without writing code, using a visual interface and natural language authoring.
• Enterprise-Grade Integration: Copilots can connect to Microsoft 365, Power Platform, Azure services, and third-party APIs.
• Security & Governance: Built on Microsoft’s trusted cloud, Copilot Studio ensures compliance, role-based access, and data protection.
• Scalability: From small teams to enterprise-wide deployments, copilots can scale to meet growing demands.

Key Features of Copilot Studio

Let’s explore the core capabilities that make Copilot Studio a powerful tool:

1. Conversational Design Canvas

The intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows users to design rich conversations, define user intents, and create branching logic—all without writing code.

2. Custom Plugins & Connectors

Copilot Studio supports custom plugins that extend functionality. You can connect to internal systems like CRM, ERP, or external services via APIs.

3. Generative AI Integration

Copilots can leverage Azure OpenAI to generate responses, summarize content, or interpret user input, making interactions more natural and intelligent.

4. Agent Capabilities

Agents are advanced copilots that can perform tasks like retrieving data, updating records, or initiating workflows. They’re ideal for automating business processes.

5. Multi-Channel Deployment

Copilots can be deployed across Microsoft Teams, websites, mobile apps, and even embedded in line-of-business applications.

Use Cases Across Industries

Copilot Studio is versatile and can be applied across various sectors:

• Retail: Automate customer service, manage inventory queries, and assist with product recommendations.
• Healthcare: Provide patient support, schedule appointments, and deliver health education.
• Finance: Handle loan inquiries, guide users through financial products, and automate compliance checks.
• Manufacturing: Support field technicians, manage supply chain queries, and streamline maintenance requests.

How Partners Can Leverage Copilot Studio

For Microsoft Partners, Copilot Studio opens up new opportunities to:

• Build IP: Create industry-specific copilots and agents that solve real business problems.
• Offer Managed Services: Provide ongoing support, optimization, and governance for deployed copilots.
• Drive Adoption: Educate customers on Copilot Studio’s value and help them integrate it into their digital transformation journey.
• Monetize Solutions: Package copilots as part of broader Microsoft 365 or Power Platform offerings.

Getting Started with Copilot Studio

Here’s how to begin your journey:

1. Access Copilot Studio via the Microsoft Power Platform portal.
2. Define your use case—what problem are you solving?
3. Design your copilot using the conversational canvas.
4. Enhance with plugins and agents to add intelligence and automation.
5. Test and deploy across your preferred channels.
6. Monitor performance and iterate using built-in analytics.

Licensing & Availability

Copilot Studio is available as part of select Microsoft 365 and Power Platform plans, with additional licensing options for advanced features and enterprise-scale deployments. Partners can also access it via Microsoft Cloud Partner Program benefits.

Copilot Studio uses a Copilot Credit-based model, replacing the older message-based billing. These credits are consumed when agents perform actions, generate responses, or interact with users.

1. Prepaid Copilot Credit Packs

• Cost: $200 per tenant/month.
• Includes: 25,000 Copilot Credits.
• Best for: Organizations with predictable usage across multiple agents.
• Notes:
  • Credits are pooled across the tenant.
  • Ideal for production environments with steady demand.

2. Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG)

• Cost: $0.01 per Copilot Credit.
• Best for: Organizations with variable or exploratory usage.
• Notes:
  • Billed monthly via Azure subscription.
  • No upfront commitment—only pay for what you use.

3. Microsoft 365 Copilot Add-On

• Cost: $30 per user/month.
• Includes: Access to Copilot Studio features within Microsoft 365 apps (Teams, Outlook, SharePoint).
• Benefit: Certain internal interactions (e.g., classic answers, generative responses, grounding) do not consume credits for licensed users.

4. Standalone Copilot Studio Subscription

• Available via the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
• Enables building agents on any supported channel and connecting to any data using premium connectors.

Who Needs a License?

• Makers/Builders: Need a Copilot Studio user license (free) assigned by an admin to create and manage agents.
• End Users: Do not need individual licenses to interact with agents.
• External Users: Their interactions consume credits from your tenant’s pool.

Trial Availability

Microsoft offers a free trial for Copilot Studio:

• Duration: 30 days, with a possible 30-day extension.
• Grace Period: Agents continue working for up to 90 days after trial expiry.
• Access: Sign up using a work or school account (personal emails are not supported).
• Limitations:
  • You can create agents, but publishing may be restricted during the trial.
  • Some advanced features may require a paid subscription.

Final Thoughts

Copilot Studio is more than a chatbot builder—it’s a strategic tool for business transformation. By enabling custom AI experiences, it empowers organizations to automate processes, improve user engagement, and unlock new efficiencies.

In the next blog, we’ll dive deeper into Copilot Agents—what they are, how they work, and how they elevate your copilots from conversational assistants to intelligent business operators. For now, please arrange a session with one of our SureStep Ambassadors for Modern Work at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for urgent assistance.