AI is evolving fast, and Microsoft 365 Copilot is leading the way. While most users are still learning how to prompt effectively, a new wave of capability is emerging: agentic AI. It’s the next step in workplace automation, and it’s already reshaping how teams use Copilot.
This blog provides a break down of our latest webinar by Matt Dunn, Head of AI & Automation, which covered what agentic AI is, why it matters, and how organisations can prepare to move from single-use prompts to intelligent, autonomous agents without compromising control, governance or business value.
What is agentic AI and why it matters
Agentic AI refers to AI systems that can act autonomously toward a defined goal. Unlike traditional automation, which follows set rules, agentic AI can plan, reason, adapt and take action, across systems and apps, based on its understanding of the environment.
This evolution moves AI from being a task assistant to a digital co-worker that can analyse, decide, and act on your behalf.
In Microsoft 365, this shift is already underway, and Copilot is becoming more capable every month.
From automation to autonomy: A brief history
To understand where agentic AI fits, it helps to look at the bigger picture:
|
Era |
Type of Automation |
Example Tools or Methods |
|
1960s–1980s |
Rule-based scripting |
Batch jobs, expert systems |
|
1990s–2000s |
GUI-based automation, macros |
Excel VBA, early RPA |
|
2010s |
Enterprise RPA + predictive AI |
UiPath, Automation Anywhere |
|
2020s |
Generative AI and LLMs |
ChatGPT, Copilot, Midjourney |
|
Now (2024–2025) |
Agentic AI: goal-based autonomy |
Copilot Studio Agents, GPT Agents |
Agentic AI builds on the flexibility of generative AI but adds memory, planning, access to tools, and the ability to act independently within boundaries.
Agentic AI in Microsoft 365 Copilot: What it looks like today
Microsoft has already started building agentic features into Copilot. Two early examples include:
Researcher Agent
Available in Microsoft 365 Copilot, this agent:
- Accepts a research prompt
- Clarifies the scope with smart questions
- Searches up to 100 websites
- Reasons over conflicting data
- Returns a full report with citations
Unlike ChatGPT, there are no usage limits, and everything is processed securely within your Microsoft tenant.
Analyst Agent
This agent:
- Analyses complex datasets (Excel, CSV, PDFs)
- Writes and runs code (e.g. Python)
- Generates visualisations and insights automatically
It transforms Copilot from a writing tool into a genuine data analyst especially valuable for finance, operations and reporting teams.
Copilot vs ChatGPT agents: What’s the difference?
While OpenAI’s GPT Agent Mode is advancing quickly, Copilot offers distinct features for business:
|
Feature |
Microsoft Copilot |
ChatGPT Agent Mode |
|
Integration |
Copilot is fully embedded into Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. This means users can trigger AI actions directly from the tools they already use, no need to switch platforms or set up anything extra. |
ChatGPT Agent Mode works in a standalone environment via a web browser. It’s separate from your business tools and doesn’t automatically connect to apps like Word or Outlook. Integrations require API setup or manual workflows. |
|
Data security |
Copilot runs within your organisation’s Microsoft 365 environment, and only accesses files and data users already have permission to view. Importantly, it doesn’t train on your business data |
ChatGPT offers varying levels of data protection depending on your subscription. Free and Plus plans may use your data to improve the model. Only Team and Enterprise plans guarantee your data won’t be used for training. |
|
Governance |
Copilot supports enterprise-grade governance features, including Agent IDs and service account management. These let IT teams control what agents can do, what data they access, and who’s responsible for managing them. |
ChatGPT Agent Mode currently has no built-in governance framework. There’s no way to assign ownership, enforce usage rules, or track how agents interact with data. This must be managed externally. |
|
Productivity |
Copilot is designed for real-world business productivity. It can summarise meetings, generate follow-ups, create documents, analyse spreadsheets, and more, all from inside your existing workflows. |
While powerful, ChatGPT agents require custom prompts and setup to complete business tasks. They don’t integrate into meetings, inboxes or documents out of the box, every workflow must be built manually. |
Why governance matters more than ever
One of the webinar’s most important lessons: governance isn’t optional when you’re working with agents.
Without clear rules, guardrails and oversight, agents can create risk just as easily as they reduce effort.
To mitigate this, organisations need:
- A responsible AI use policy
- A tool and agent register
- Role-based access controls
- Visibility over what each agent can do
- A framework for staff to suggest and request agents safely
How to prepare your organisation for agentic AI
Most businesses won’t jump straight into agents. The journey typically looks like this:
- Start with prompting
Run lunch-and-learn sessions, build prompt libraries, and normalise use across teams. - Use the free version of Copilot
It’s already available in your Microsoft licence and secure. - Graduate to paid Copilot + Copilot Studio
Empower users to build and test their own agents with proper guidance. - Put governance in place
Cover roles, tools, risks, and oversight before things scale. - Build simple agents with business value
Start with low-risk use cases like inbox triage or meeting scheduling. - Manage agents like employees
Assign owners, track usage, monitor actions, and move useful ones under service accounts.
Final thought: Use before you scale
Agentic AI isn’t science fiction, it’s already here. But it requires structure, strategy and smart rollout. Your users will be the ones driving value, but only if they understand what’s possible and how to do it safely.
Get the full insights, live demos and next steps from our “From Prompts to Agents” webinar.
Contact us at The Missing Link about Agentic AI rollout strategy, Copilot training sessions, and AI governance and maturity assessments.
