Install Edit Agent
Pick your agent. Every command is ready to paste.
npx skills add microsoft/skills-for-copilot-studio --skill edit-agentThe open skills CLI detects your agents (Claude Code, Cursor, Codex and 70+ more) and installs to the right folder. Add -g to install globally.
01
Install it
Run the command above, or upload the folder in Claude.
02
Ask naturally
Describe the task. Your agent loads edit-agent when the request matches its description.
03
Name it if needed
If it does not trigger, say “use the edit-agent skill”. In Codex, type $edit-agent.
Edit Agent Settings/Instructions
Modify agent metadata (agent.mcs.yml) or configuration (settings.mcs.yml).
Instructions
Auto-discover the agent directory:
Glob: **/agent.mcs.ymlNEVER hardcode an agent name. If multiple agents found, ask which one.
Identify what the user wants to change and read the appropriate file:
- Instructions, display name, conversation starters, AI settings →
agent.mcs.yml - GenerativeActionsEnabled, authentication, recognizer, capabilities →
settings.mcs.yml
- Instructions, display name, conversation starters, AI settings →
If the user wants to change the AI model, run the schema lookup tool first:
node ${CLAUDE_SKILL_DIR}/../../scripts/schema-lookup.bundle.js modelsUse the output to determine the correct
modelNameHintandprovidervalues. CRITICAL: Do NOT includekindin the model block — the agent-level schema usesCurrentModelsNoKind.Read the current file before making any changes.
Make the requested changes using the Edit tool.
Editable Fields in agent.mcs.yml
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
displayName |
Agent's display name | displayName: My Agent |
instructions |
System prompt / personality | Multi-line YAML with | |
conversationStarters |
Suggested conversation starters | Array of {title, text} |
aISettings.model.modelNameHint |
Model hint (run models command for convention) |
Sonnet46, GPT5Chat |
aISettings.model.provider |
Model provider (required for non-OpenAI) | Anthropic |
Editable Fields in settings.mcs.yml
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
GenerativeActionsEnabled |
Enable generative orchestration | true / false |
authenticationMode |
Auth mode | Integrated, None |
authenticationTrigger |
When to auth | Always, AsNeeded |
accessControlPolicy |
Access control | ChatbotReaders |
configuration.aISettings.* |
AI capabilities | Various booleans |
configuration.settings.*.content.capabilities.webBrowsing |
Web browsing | true / false |
Writing Effective Instructions
For detailed guidance on writing knowledge-aware instructions, grounding directives, citation control, and scope enforcement, see instructions-guide.md.
Fields to NEVER Modify
schemaName— This is the internal Power Platform identifier. Changing it breaks the agent.publishedOn— Managed by the platform.template— Managed by the platform.language— Changing this can corrupt the agent.
If the user asks to change any of these, warn them.
Example: Update Instructions
instructions: |
You are a customer support agent for Contoso Ltd.
Guidelines:
- Be professional and empathetic
- Always verify the customer's identity first
- Escalate billing issues to a human agent
Tips for Edit Agent
- • Start a fresh session after installing so your agent picks up the new skill.
- • It is part of a pack with 30 skills. Install only the ones you need with --skill to keep triggers precise.
- • If two skills overlap, mention the one you want by name.
Questions about Edit Agent
What does the Edit Agent skill do?
Edit Copilot Studio agent settings, instructions, or configuration. Use when the user asks to change agent instructions, display name, conversation starters, AI settings, or generative actions toggle.
How do I install Edit Agent?
Run "npx skills add microsoft/skills-for-copilot-studio --skill edit-agent" in your project. The skills CLI installs it for Claude Code, Cursor, Codex and 70+ other agents. In Claude on the web, upload the skill folder as a ZIP under Customize > Skills.
Does Edit Agent work in Cursor and Codex?
Yes. Edit Agent uses the open SKILL.md format, so it works in Claude Code, Claude, Cursor, OpenAI Codex, Gemini CLI, GitHub Copilot and other agents that support agent skills.
Is Edit Agent free?
Edit Agent is open source on GitHub under the MIT license. It is free to install; check the license before commercial use.
Who made Edit Agent?
Edit Agent is published by Microsoft in the microsoft/skills-for-copilot-studio repository, together with 29 other skills.





