Microsoft Chatbot can now design custom apps

Your computer’s new superpower

Microsoft 365 Copilot now includes App Builder and a Workflows agent that let business users describe an app or workflow in natural language and have Copilot generate a functioning app or automation.

This extends Copilot from an assistant that helps you find information into a builder that can quickly generate lightweight apps and automations, all while operating under your organization’s governance controls.

Build apps with simple words

A new tool called App Builder lets you create software through conversation. You describe your idea for an app, like a team task manager or an event planner. The AI writes the code and builds a functional application for you.

App Builder supports multi-turn conversations, so you can iteratively refine the app in Copilot. When you’re ready, you can preview or export it for further development in Power Apps.

Automate your tedious tasks

The new Workflows agent is designed to handle your repetitive jobs. Tell it to send weekly email summaries or update your team’s project planner. It automatically creates the process across Outlook, Teams, and other apps.

This agent manages calendars, shares updates, and tracks approvals. You save precious time by letting the AI handle the routine busywork.

Your data is ready to use

App Builder and Workflows can use the documents, lists, and spreadsheets stored in your Microsoft 365 tenant, so Copilot’s suggestions are grounded in your files, but they operate under your tenant’s permissions and admin controls, so apps only surface the data users are allowed to see.

If you mention “Project Apollo,” it understands the context from your files. Your creations are grounded in your real-world data from the very start.

Security built right in

Everything you build automatically follows your company’s security rules. The apps use the same permission systems and login credentials you already have. Your IT department maintains full visibility and control over all creations.

That design aims to balance employee innovation with enterprise safety, provided admins enable and configure the appropriate governance and retention policies.

Start simple, grow complex

You can start with a simple, conversationally created app and later open it in Power Apps for advanced features. Microsoft calls this a ‘no-cliffs’ approach, so solutions can scale up without being forced to rebuild from scratch.

Your simple project tracker can evolve into a sophisticated system. Your creations can grow in complexity right along with your skills.

A New skill for your resume

Building small apps may soon become a common office skill. This ability could be as fundamental as creating a spreadsheet is today. It empowers employees to solve their own unique workflow challenges directly.

You can address team needs without filing a ticket or waiting for IT support. This puts the power of digital solution creation directly in your hands.

The race for AI tools

Microsoft is competing with rivals like Google, which have similar coding goals. This push aims to make advanced technology accessible to everyone, not just developers. The company believes this will unlock massive creativity and productivity.

They envision a future where half a billion people can build software. This move is a significant step toward making that ambitious vision a reality.

How to get access

These features are currently available to a select group of business customers. This early access program, called Frontier, helps Microsoft refine the tools. A broader rollout to all Microsoft 365 Copilot users is expected later.

If your company uses Copilot, you can inquire about joining the preview. You might soon be building custom tools faster than you ever thought possible.

More than just an assistant

Copilot is evolving from an answering machine into a doing machine. It’s shifting from finding information to actively completing tasks for you. This represents a major leap in how we interact with computers.

The AI can now execute actions across your entire suite of work apps. It is becoming a truly active partner in your daily work.

What about professional developers?

This tool is meant for internal business apps, not public-facing software. Microsoft states that systems interacting with customers still warrant a professional developer’s skills. The focus is on empowering employees for internal solutions.

Complex, mission-critical applications will still benefit from expert coding. This technology is about augmentation, not replacement, of skilled developers.

A nine-year dream realized

This launch is the culmination of a long-term strategy around low-code tools. Microsoft’s Power Platform has been building towards this for nearly a decade. Integrating it directly into Copilot is the final piece of the puzzle.

They are moving the tools from a separate website into the flow of your work. The goal is to make creation as easy as having a conversation.

The problem of shadow IT

This approach could help manage shadow IT, where employees use unsanctioned apps. Now, IT can provide a safe, governed platform for employee innovation. All created apps are visible and manageable in the admin center.

This gives organizations both control and creative freedom. It channels innovation into a secure and approved environment.

The price of power

These powerful new capabilities come at no extra cost for Microsoft 365 Copilot subscribers. The existing $30-per-user monthly fee includes these creative agents. Microsoft is known for bundling significant value into its product suites.

This makes advanced app development accessible to a much wider audience. It represents a substantial value addition for current customers.

Your digital legacy

Microsoft says apps and workflows remain accessible for 60 days after a creator leaves; during that window, managers or admins can reassign or claim ownership, similar to existing OneDrive reassignment workflows.

This ensures that valuable tools built by employees are not lost. It provides continuity for teams and preserves company knowledge.

Wondering about the latest cybersecurity risks at Microsoft? Learn how the new ClickFix threat could affect your device.

The future of your workday

This technology could fundamentally reshape your daily tasks and responsibilities. You might spend less time on repetitive data entry and more on creative problem-solving. The very nature of many office jobs may evolve.

Employees are empowered to build the exact tools they need to be more effective. This leads to a more dynamic and personally tailored work environment.

Curious about how Microsoft is tackling security flaws in the workplace? See how they’re addressing one of their highest-rated vulnerabilities.

What’s the first app you would build if you had this tool? Share your ideas below and give this a like if you’re excited to try it.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.