What is Microsoft Copilot Studio?

Microsoft Copilot Studio (formerly Power Virtual Agents) is a low-code/no-code platform that allows users to create AI-powered chatbots and apps. It integrates with Microsoft Power Platform, Azure AI services, and Dataverse, enabling organizations to build intelligent and automated solutions.

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Step 1: Accessing Microsoft Copilot Studio

Before you start building an app, you need access to Copilot Studio.

1.1 Sign in to Copilot Studio

1. Open your web browser and go to https://copilotstudio.microsoft.com/.
2. Click Sign In (top right corner).
3. Enter your Microsoft 365 credentials (work/school account).
4. Once logged in, you’ll see the Copilot Studio Dashboard.

1.2 Understanding the Dashboard

The main dashboard includes:
✅ Chatbots – Manage existing bots or create new ones.
✅ Topics – Define conversation flows.
✅ Analytics – Track bot performance.
✅ Settings – Manage authentication, security, and permissions.

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Step 2: Creating a New App (Chatbot)

Now that you’ve signed in, let’s create a chatbot from scratch.

2.1 Start a New Project

1. Click on “Create a Copilot” or “New chatbot”.
2. Enter a name for your chatbot (e.g., “Customer Support Bot”).
3. Choose a language (English, Spanish, etc.).
4. Click “Create”.

⏳ Wait a few seconds while the chatbot is generated.

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Step 3: Defining Topics (User Queries & Responses)

A topic is a conversation flow that defines how your chatbot interacts with users.

3.1 Understanding Topics

Topics have:
✅ Trigger phrases – Keywords that start a conversation.
✅ Dialog nodes – Messages, questions, actions.
✅ Variables – Store user responses.

3.2 Create a New Topic

1. Go to the “Topics” section.
2. Click “New Topic”.
3. Name it “Greeting”.
4. In the Trigger phrases, add examples like:
   • “Hello”
   • “Hi there”
   • “Hey bot”
5. Click “Save”.

Now, when users say “Hello”, the bot will recognize this topic.

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Step 4: Designing the Conversation Flow

Next, define how the chatbot responds.

4.1 Adding a Message Response

1. Open the “Greeting” topic.
2. Click “Add Node” → “Message”.
3. Type: “Hello! How can I assist you today?”
4. Click Save.

Now, when users say “Hi”, the bot will reply with “Hello! How can I assist you today?”.

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Step 5: Adding User Input and Variables

Let’s make the chatbot interactive.

5.1 Asking for User Input

1. Click “Add Node” → “Ask a Question”.
2. Question: “What is your name?”
3. Set answer type to Text.
4. Create a new variable (UserName) to store responses.

5.2 Using the Variable in Responses

1. Click “Add Node” → “Message”.
2. Type: “Nice to meet you, {UserName}! How can I help you?”
3. Click Save.

Now, if a user says “Hi”, the bot will ask for their name and respond personally.

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Step 6: Adding Actions and Automation

6.1 Calling a Power Automate Flow

You can automate tasks using Power Automate.

1. Click “Add Node” → “Call an Action”.
2. Select Power Automate.
3. Click “Create a Flow”.
4. Choose a template (e.g., Send an email).
5. Define input/output parameters.
6. Click Save & Close.

Now, the bot can trigger workflows automatically!

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Step 7: Testing the Chatbot

7.1 Running a Test

1. Click “Test Bot” (top-right).
2. Type “Hello” and check the response.
3. Test different scenarios.
4. Make improvements if needed.

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Step 8: Deploying the Chatbot

Once satisfied, deploy it to users.

8.1 Publishing the Bot

1. Click “Publish” (top-right).
2. Confirm changes.
3. Wait for deployment.

8.2 Adding to a Website or Teams

1. Go to “Channels”.
2. Choose a deployment option:
   ✅ Microsoft Teams – Add to your organization.
   ✅ Website – Embed using an iframe.
   ✅ Facebook/WhatsApp – Integrate social media.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to connect.

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Step 9: Monitoring & Improving the App

Once deployed, monitor user interactions and improve.

9.1 Viewing Analytics

1. Go to “Analytics”.
2. Check:
   ✅ Popular topics
   ✅ Unanswered questions
   ✅ User feedback
3. Improve the chatbot based on data.

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