AI agents in OneDrive want it to be the ultimate productivity hub — but you'll need a Microsoft 365 Copilot license to create one

If you’re comfortable with AI accessing your cloud‑stored documents, photos, and files, AI agents in OneDrive just shipped to general availability. These agents can summarize discussions, maintain shared context as projects evolve, and highlight owners, deadlines, and risks.

Over the past few years, Microsoft has doubled down on its push into one of tech’s hottest new commodities — generative AI. The company has deeply integrated the cutting-edge technology across its products and services, including Windows 11.

However, its efforts haven't gone well with the vast majority of its users, earning it a new nickname — Microslop. Amid growing user concern and backlash, Microsoft announced it is slowing its Windows 11 AI rollout while shifting strategy for Copilot and Windows Recall.

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So, just like a document and spreadsheet, these AI agents are saved directly in OneDrive as .agent files. When you launch them, you'll be directed into a full-screen Copilot experience, focusing on the specified topic or project.

"Agents behave like any other file in OneDrive," Microsoft added. "You can search for them, filter by file type, open them, and update them as work progresses. As projects change, you can add or remove files or refine instructions, so your agent stays aligned with the latest information."

Rather than asking Copilot the same questions across individual files, you can now create an Agent that understands an entire set of documents, project plans, specs, meeting notes, research, or decks, and responds with answers grounded in your content.

Microsoft

Microsoft has at least made creating an agent in OneDrive a relatively straightforward process. This means you won't need any technical support to create one that meets your specific needs, if you choose to use them.

Before you start the process, it's worth noting that you need a valid Microsoft 365 Copilot license:

Launch OneDrive on the webThen click Select + Create or upload and select Create an agentAlternatively, you can select files and select Create an agent from the toolbar or right‑click menuFinally, pick up to 20 files, name your agent, add optional instructions, and save.

The agent you created should automatically pop up in OneDrive as a .agent file. Microsoft says AI agents in OneDrive will promote productivity by keeping conversations in a unified location instead of having to jump through hoops to find a specific file.

What's more, the company says the tool preserves the history of each project. "As projects change, you can add or remove files or refine instructions, so your agent stays aligned with the latest information," Microsoft added.

You can also share AI agents in OneDrive with your counterparts. However, they'll need to have access to the source documents for the tool to furnish their queries with crafted responses about the project.

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