Summary
- Microsoft is adding support for inserting Agents and Skills directly into prompts in CIQ using / or @ while composing.
- Users with access to CIQ and available Agents and Skills can discover them from the CIQ Agents and Skills tab.
- The change is on by default where Agents and Skills are supported and does not require changes to existing workflows.
- IT may want to inform users, update training materials, and review approved Agents and Skills guidance.
Microsoft is introducing support for inserting Agents and Skills directly into prompts using at symbols and forward slashes within CIQ. Worldwide rollout begins in mid September 2026 and concludes by late September 2026. This feature is enabled by default and enhances discovery of specialized capabilities. Administrators should inform users and update internal training materials to reflect these new prompt reference methods.
Administrator impact: No direct administrator action is required.
End user impact: Users gain the ability to discover and insert specialized agents and skills directly into prompts using simple keyboard shortcuts.
Score rationale: This is a standard feature rollout that adds new functionality without requiring administrative intervention.
Starting mid-September 2026, CIQ will support inserting Agents and Skills directly into prompts via @ or /. This feature enhances discovery and use of specialized capabilities within workflows, requires no user action, and is enabled by default where supported. Informing users and updating training is recommended.
Message ID: MC1479519
Primary Service: M365 Copilot
Admin Impact: Low
User Impact: Medium
Release Start: 15 Sept 2026
Release End: 30 Sept 2026
Published: 26 Sept 2026
Expires: 30 Nov 2026
Last updated: 26 Sept 2026
Service: Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365)
Category: Plan for change
Tags: New feature, User impact
Rollout: September 2026
History
9/25/2026 Item Added to Message Center
Microsoft Message
We are introducing support for inserting Agents and Skills directly into prompts in CIQ. Users will be able to access available Agents and Skills from the CIQ Agents and Skills tab and quickly reference them by typing / or @ while composing prompts. This improvement helps users discover and use specialized capabilities more efficiently, improving productivity by making context-specific AI assistance easier to access within existing workflows.
Rollout Schedule
- General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout begins in mid-September 2026.
- Expected completion: Late September 2026.
Impact on Your Organization
Who is affected
- Users who have access to CIQ and available Agents and Skills within their organization.
Platforms/Services
- CIQ
- Copilot experiences that support Agents and Skills integration
What will happen
- Users will be able to insert Agents and Skills directly into prompts using @ and /.
- Agents and Skills will be discoverable from the CIQ Agents and Skills tab.
- Users can quickly access specialized capabilities without navigating away from their current experience.
- The change is available by default where Agents and Skills are supported.
- No changes to existing user workflows are required; this enhancement provides an additional way to invoke available capabilities.
Action Required/Recommendations
No action is required.
You may want to:
- Inform users about the new Agents and Skills discovery experience.
- Update internal training or adoption materials if your organization documents CIQ workflows.
- Review any organizational guidance related to approved Agents and Skills usage.
Compliance considerations
No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.