# Workflow

> A drag-and-drop automation in Copilot Studio, newer than agent flows, where each step can reason as well as act, combining agents, tools and logic in one flow.

**Category:** Copilot

**A workflow is Copilot Studio's newer, AI-assisted way to automate a process.** Like an [agent flow](/glossary#agent-flow), it starts on a [trigger](/glossary#trigger) and runs at least one action. You build it in a visual drag-and-drop designer: describe the automation you want, and Copilot Studio helps generate, configure and validate it.

The difference is in the steps. In a workflow **each step can reason and act**, and a workflow can call an agent to complete a step. Built-in testing and human-in-the-loop steps are part of the designer. Workflows run on the GitHub Copilot [harness](/glossary#harness), which bills Copilot Credits from the moment you start building, testing included.

## At work

An operations lead describes a monthly supplier check in plain language. Copilot Studio drafts a workflow that pulls the open orders, hands them to an agent to flag late deliveries, and waits for a manager's approval before anything is emailed.

## Often confused with

Agent flow. Both start on a trigger, but an agent flow is the established format, close to Power Automate, deterministic, and free to test in the designer. A workflow is newer, lets its steps reason, and uses credits while you build.

## Related terms

- Agent flow
- Trigger
- Harness
- Copilot Studio

## See it in a lesson

[Copilot Studio: build and automate](/en/learn/copilot/advanced/copilot-studio)

## Further reading

- [Workflows overview (Microsoft Learn)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot-studio/workflows-experience/flows-overview): Triggers, actions and the visual designer for workflows.
- [What is Copilot Studio? (Microsoft Learn)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot-studio/fundamentals-what-is-copilot-studio): How workflows sit next to agents and agent flows.
- [Billing for agents powered by the GitHub Copilot harness (Microsoft Learn)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot-studio/agents-experience/billing-credit-overview): Why building and testing already use credits.

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Last updated: 14/10/2026  
Source: Rollo Academy glossary