SharePoint: How to Publish Your Custom Agent Quickly

Key insights

• Custom Agent Publishing: In 2025, Microsoft introduced the ability to publish custom Copilot agents directly to SharePoint sites using Microsoft Copilot Studio. This lets users access AI-powered assistance without leaving their collaboration space.


• SharePoint Channel Integration: Makers can create and configure agents in Copilot Studio and deploy them as a SharePoint channel. Users interact with the agent through a dedicated Copilot icon on SharePoint pages, receiving answers or actions based on shared documents and site content.


• Security and Compliance Features: The integration respects Microsoft authentication, existing Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies, and user access permissions. Admins manage agent deployment using Power Platform admin center settings for better control and compliance.


• Flexible Knowledge Sources: Agents can use multiple SharePoint sites, document libraries, and files as knowledge sources. Makers can add or remove these sources at any time while maintaining secure access controls.


• Simplified Deployment Process: Unlike previous manual embedding with web parts, the new approach allows native agent experiences in SharePoint. Manual embedding is still needed for advanced scenarios like single sign-on but is no longer required for basic usage.


• Enhanced Productivity: Integrated custom agents reduce context switching by providing immediate support within the workflow. Teams benefit from faster decision-making and improved collaboration through accessible AI-driven insights in their working environment.

Introduction: A New Era for AI Agents in SharePoint

In a recent YouTube video, Daniel Christian [MVP] provides an in-depth exploration of how to publish a custom agent to SharePoint using Microsoft Copilot Studio. This feature, introduced in 2025, marks a significant advancement for organizations aiming to integrate artificial intelligence directly into their collaboration environments. By embedding AI agents within SharePoint, users can interact with these tools seamlessly, without the need to shift between different applications.

This integration is designed to streamline workflows and improve productivity by keeping users engaged within their primary workspace. Christian’s video not only demonstrates the technical steps involved but also discusses the strategic benefits and challenges of deploying custom agents in SharePoint.

How Custom Agents Enhance SharePoint Collaboration

One of the primary advantages highlighted in the video is the productivity boost provided by these custom agents. Users receive instant answers and insights directly within their document or project context. This immediate access to information minimizes the time spent searching or switching between apps, ultimately helping teams work more efficiently.

Moreover, the agents are context-aware. They use the content and knowledge sources available on the SharePoint site, delivering responses that are both relevant and secure. This ensures that information is always tailored to the user’s current project and that sensitive data remains protected according to existing SharePoint permissions.

Publishing Process and Key Features

Christian walks viewers through the process of creating and publishing a custom agent in Copilot Studio. To begin, makers build the agent with specific knowledge sources, branding, and behavior—such as customized welcome messages and prompts. During publishing, the SharePoint channel is configured, which requires appropriate write access to the site.

After deployment, a Copilot icon appears on the SharePoint page, allowing users to interact with the agent through an integrated pane. Importantly, makers retain the flexibility to update the agent’s identity, knowledge sources, and behavior at any time. These changes can be saved and republished as needed.

However, it is worth noting that for full embedding scenarios and single sign-on (SSO) configurations, using SharePoint Framework (SPFx) web parts is still necessary. The new SharePoint channel simplifies basic deployment but does not yet fully replace advanced embedding or SSO requirements.

Security, Compliance, and Administrative Control

A significant benefit of this approach is its robust security and compliance framework. The SharePoint channel respects Microsoft authentication protocols and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies by default. This ensures that data remains secure and that only authorized users can access sensitive information.

Furthermore, administrators can manage agent usage through the Power Platform admin center. They have the ability to add or remove SharePoint sites and document libraries as knowledge sources, expanding the agent’s capabilities while maintaining strict access controls. New DLP settings also enable admins to restrict who can publish custom agents, adding another layer of governance.

Balancing Flexibility and Usability: Tradeoffs and Challenges

While the new publishing method offers a smoother, more native experience, there are tradeoffs to consider. The ease of deployment via the SharePoint channel reduces technical barriers for makers, but some embedding and authentication scenarios still require manual configuration with SPFx web parts. This can present challenges for organizations seeking a fully seamless experience with single sign-on across all use cases.

Additionally, as the feature allows multiple SharePoint sites and libraries to serve as knowledge sources, administrators must balance the agent’s information scope with the need for security and compliance. Overly broad access could inadvertently expose sensitive data, highlighting the importance of careful configuration and governance.

Conclusion: Transforming the SharePoint User Experience

Daniel Christian’s walkthrough demonstrates that publishing a custom agent to SharePoint is now more accessible, secure, and user-friendly than ever before. This innovation empowers teams to collaborate more effectively, make decisions faster, and stay aligned on shared information—all within their familiar SharePoint environment.

As organizations continue to adopt AI-driven solutions, the ability to tailor and control these agents will be key to maximizing their value while maintaining trust and compliance. The new SharePoint channel represents a significant step forward, even as ongoing enhancements are needed to address advanced embedding and authentication needs.

Keywords

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