501113 – Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365): [Copilot Extensibility] Gracefully handle Foundry agents that will either be blocked or will work with sub-optimal experiences

Product:

Copilot

Platform:

Web, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Links:

Details:

Gracefully handle Foundry agents that will either be blocked or will work with sub-optimal experiences

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-10-23

updated:
2025-10-23

Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Sub-optimal User Experience
Users may experience degraded performance and functionality when using Microsoft Copilot due to blocked Foundry agents, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
   - roles: End Users, Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/03/16/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot/

Increased Support Tickets
The change may lead to an increase in support tickets as users encounter issues with the Copilot functionality, overwhelming the IT support team.
   - roles: Support Staff, IT Operations
   - references: https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-handle-increased-support-tickets-in-your-organization/

Training and Adaptation Needs
Users may require additional training to adapt to the new limitations of Copilot, impacting their workflow and efficiency.
   - roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/01/30/the-importance-of-training-in-the-age-of-ai/?sh=5c1c1c5e7c3e

Potential Data Loss
If Foundry agents are blocked, there may be a risk of data loss or corruption during operations, affecting user trust and data integrity.
   - roles: Data Analysts, IT Security
   - references: https://www.csoonline.com/article/3531230/the-risks-of-data-loss-and-how-to-prevent-it.html

Decreased Collaboration Efficiency
Blocked agents may hinder collaborative features of Microsoft 365, leading to delays in project timelines and team communication.
   - roles: Project Managers, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2022/11/15/boosting-collaboration-in-the-hybrid-workplace/

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

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Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft Copilot is like having a personal assistant within your Microsoft 365 applications, helping you to be more productive by automating routine tasks and providing intelligent suggestions. Imagine having a smart helper that can draft emails, summarize documents, or schedule meetings based on your preferences and past activities.

Now, when we talk about "Foundry agents" in this context, think of them as specialized tools or extensions that enhance the capabilities of Copilot. These agents can be compared to apps on your smartphone that add extra features to your device. However, just like some apps might not work perfectly on every phone due to compatibility issues, some Foundry agents might face challenges when integrated with Copilot.

Handling these agents gracefully means ensuring that even if they can't perform optimally, they don't disrupt your overall experience. It's similar to how your phone might alert you if an app isn't functioning correctly, but still allows you to use other features without interruption.

In practical terms, this means that Microsoft is working on ways to manage these situations so that users can continue to benefit from Copilot's core functionalities, even if some agents are temporarily blocked or not performing at their best. This approach ensures a smooth and efficient user experience, minimizing any potential frustrations.