Microsoft enhances Copilot with no-code app building tools for Microsoft 365

Microsoft has expanded the capabilities of its AI assistant, Microsoft 365 Copilot, by introducing no-code app-building tools aimed at empowering users to create applications and automate workflows through natural language prompts. The new features, App Builder and Workflows agents, are designed to simplify software development tasks traditionally handled by IT departments, opening up new possibilities for employees to translate ideas into actionable solutions.

New tools for app creation and automation

Available to customers enrolled in Microsoft's Frontier early access program, App Builder allows users to create business applications complete with dashboards, charts, and data storage using straightforward language descriptions. Similarly, the Workflows agent enables automation of routine tasks across Microsoft platforms such as Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and Planner. These tools are part of a lightweight version of Copilot Studio, which is now accessible directly within Copilot, offering users the ability to build specialized AI agents.

"Using these agents and Copilot Studio, Copilot now enables employees to turn ideas into impact by creating apps, workflows, and agents - just as easily as having a conversation", said Charles Lamanna, Microsoft president of business and industry Copilot, in a blog post.

Seamless integration with existing subscriptions

The new app-building features are included in existing Microsoft 365 Copilot subscriptions, priced at $30 per user per month, without requiring additional licensing. Microsoft estimates that approximately 100 million users currently have access to the Microsoft 365 platform.

App Builder relies on Microsoft Lists for data storage, allowing users to share completed applications via links in a manner similar to document sharing. Meanwhile, the Workflows agent simplifies automation by converting natural language instructions into streamlined processes that span multiple Microsoft applications.

Shadow IT and governance concerns

Despite the promise of enhanced productivity, these tools raise concerns about shadow IT - the use of unauthorized software or systems by employees. The potential influx of employee-created applications could complicate governance and visibility for IT administrators already tasked with managing complex technology environments.

Microsoft has acknowledged these concerns, stating that most employee-built apps do not necessitate IT oversight. To address the issue, administrators are provided with granular controls within the Microsoft 365 admin center. This includes an agent inventory section where they can access or disable the App Builder and Workflows features at the group level. Additionally, apps and workflows created by employees remain accessible for 60 days after their departure, allowing managers to claim ownership during this period, similar to existing OneDrive lifecycle policies.

Built on enterprise-grade foundations

Microsoft emphasized that the new features adhere to the same security, compliance, and reliability standards underpinning the Microsoft 365 platform. Agents created with Copilot respect user context and enforce role-based access controls, ensuring enterprise-grade reliability and security.

The Workflows agent, although optimized for end users, is built on the same infrastructure that supports Agent Flows in the full Copilot Studio. This provides a seamless transition for organizations looking to scale from lightweight, individual productivity tools to more complex IT-led solutions, including advanced workflows, model selections, and multi-agent systems.

Exclusive access and user feedback

The Workflows agent is now available through the Microsoft 365 Agent Store for Frontier program participants, while App Builder is rolling out this week. Frontier program users can also create personalized agents by selecting "Create agent" within the Copilot interface. However, Microsoft has not disclosed the criteria for Frontier program participation or when these tools will become generally available to all subscribers.

This rollout comes amid growing discontent among some users over Microsoft's intensified focus on AI. Recent updates to the Microsoft 365 mobile app, which prioritize Copilot features over traditional functionalities like file access, have led to one-star reviews from dissatisfied users.

As Microsoft continues to expand its AI-powered offerings, the company aims to strike a balance between innovation, employee empowerment, and effective IT governance. For now, businesses enrolled in the Frontier program have early access to these tools, offering a glimpse into the next wave of workplace automation.

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