Copilot Studio app creation enters public preview alongside agents and workflows

Microsoft has moved app creation into public preview within Copilot Studio, adding another option for building business solutions. The platform now brings apps together with workflows and agents. Microsoft describes these as different parts of a solution: an interface for people, predictable processes and agents that can reason and adapt. The company included the app launch in its September 2026 Copilot Studio updates, which also cover agent controls, enterprise knowledge and evaluation.

Makers can begin by explaining the result they want, who will use the app, and what data and actions it should involve. Copilot Studio produces a draft for them to inspect and adjust through conversation. If more extensive changes are needed, makers can also work with the app’s underlying code. A maker can provide those requirements, then review and refine the generated app.

Microsoft’s example is an employee onboarding process involving managers and employees. In that scenario, the app could give users a structured interface, while workflows carry out repeatable onboarding tasks. An agent could answer questions, handle exceptions and adjust its responses as circumstances change. For builders, this illustrates how a process can combine an interface, repeatable steps and agent support instead of asking one component to do every job.

The apps are supported by Microsoft Copilot Managed Runtime, which is also in public preview. Microsoft says the runtime includes hosting it operates, identity, governed access to data, lifecycle management, Git-backed versioning and centralized visibility. It supports apps built across Copilot Studio, Copilot Cowork and Copilot Code. Microsoft presents those capabilities as a way to let more people build while helping organizations operate business solutions securely and reliably.

Other updates in the announcement address how organizations manage and assess agents. Hooks are in preview for agents using the GitHub Copilot harness, allowing makers to run specified logic at points such as session starts, tool calls and errors. Foundry IQ integration is generally available, and a knowledge base can be reused across multiple Copilot Studio agents, which can provide cited answers. Evaluation now covers automation as well as agent conversations, including individual AI nodes and broader automations.