Module 09 Addition: Agent Flows vs. Workflows
Insert this as a callout section BEFORE Lab 09 in Module 09.
Purpose: Inform participants about the new Workflows experience that launched in May 2026, so they aren't confused if they encounter it.
🆕 What's New: Workflows (Early Release)
Note for facilitators: Read this section aloud or display it as a slide before starting the lab. It sets context for participants who may be in early-release environments.
Since this course was originally written, Microsoft released a new experience called Workflows in Copilot Studio. Here's what you need to know:
Two Ways to Automate Your Agent
You now have two automation experiences in Copilot Studio:
| Feature | Agent Flows | Workflows (Preview) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Generally Available (GA) | Public Preview / Early Release |
| Where to find it | Left sidebar → Flows | Left sidebar → Workflows |
| Access | All environments | Early-release environments only |
| Designer | Power Automate-style canvas | New redesigned visual canvas |
| Key difference | Proven, stable, familiar | New features: agent nodes, prompt nodes |
| This lab uses | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not in this lab |
Agent Flows (What We're Using Today)
Agent Flows are the original automation experience in Copilot Studio. They use the Power Automate-style designer and are:
- Stable and production-ready (GA)
- Available in all environments (no early-release required)
- Tightly integrated with your agent topics (called directly from topic nodes)
- Billed within Copilot Studio (no separate Power Automate license needed)
Workflows (The New Experience — Coming Soon to All)
Workflows is Microsoft's next-generation automation canvas. It includes:
- Agent nodes — embed other agents as steps in a workflow
- Prompt nodes — make a single AI call with dynamic content
- Node-level testing — test individual steps without running the full workflow
- Inline configuration — configure actions directly in the canvas without a side panel
Workflows will eventually replace Agent Flows as the primary experience. For now, stick with Agent Flows for this lab.
If you see "Workflows" in your left sidebar: You're in an early-release environment. You can explore it after the lab, but the lab steps in Module 09 use Agent Flows. Both are accessed differently but produce the same result — your agent calling an automated workflow.
How to Tell Which Experience You're In
Agent Flows environment:
- Left sidebar shows: Flows
- Creating a new flow: "New Agent flow" in the topic node
Workflows environment (early release):
- Left sidebar shows: Flows AND Workflows
- You can create either; for this lab, use Flows → New Agent flow
→ Start Lab 09: Create an Agent Flow
Let's build an automation that sends a device request email to a manager.