Install guide

Microsoft 365 Copilot

Route A: no code, with Agent Builder

1. Create an agent

   In Microsoft 365 Copilot, create a new agent with Agent Builder. Its name can be at most 30 characters. Source

2. Paste the instructions

   Copy all of m365-copilot/instruction.txt, after replacing each [FILL IN], into the instructions.

3. Leave web search off

   Add no web sites. Add only the named files the skill may use as knowledge. Source

4. Try it, then share

   Test it on invented material. Your organisation decides who it may be shared with. Source

Route B: through IT, as a package

1. Complete the files

   Replace [FILL IN] in instruction.txt and in declarativeAgent.json. Replace the three fill-in.invalid addresses in manifest.json with internal pages.

2. Zip the files, not the folder

   manifest.json, declarativeAgent.json, color.png and outline.png must sit at the top of the zip.

3. Upload

   An admin uploads it at Agents > All agents > Upload custom agent in the Microsoft 365 admin center. If your organisation allows it, a person can upload it in Teams for their own testing. Source

4. Add documents carefully

   To use SharePoint files, IT adds a OneDriveAndSharePoint capability and lists each item. Leaving the list out lets the agent reach all SharePoint and OneDrive sources. Source

GitHub Copilot in VS Code

1. Check you have agent mode

   Skills work in Copilot agent mode. Support depends on your editor and its version. If agent mode is off, ask IT. Source

2. Unzip and copy the folder

   For everyone on a project: copy github-copilot/<skill> to .github/skills/ in the repository. For yourself only: copy it to ~/.copilot/skills/. Source

3. Keep the folder name

   It must match the name inside SKILL.md, or Copilot silently ignores the skill. Source

4. Fill it in

   Open SKILL.md in any text editor. Search for [FILL IN].

5. Use it

   Open Copilot Chat, choose agent mode and type / then the skill name.

6. If it does not appear

   Your organisation may block standalone skills with a device policy. Ask IT about ChatStrictPluginOnlyCustomization. Source