[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "it%20is%20not%20about%20the%20%40%20symbols%2C%20it%27s%20about%20customizing%20the%20prompt%20copilot%20gives%20me.%20can%20i%20customize%20it%20or%20is%20it%20stuck%20%3Fto%20interact%20with%20me"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Yes \u2014 in many cases you *can* customize what Copilot (or similar AI assistants) prompts you with. It depends on *which version* of Copilot you\u2019re using (Microsoft 365 Copilot, GitHub Copilot, Copilot Studio / AI Builder, etc.) and whether the customization tools are available under your account or subscription. I'll break it down by type, what you *can* do, and what limitations there are.\n\n---\n\n## What \u201ccustomizing prompts\u201d usually means\n\nWhen people talk about customizing prompts, they\u2019re often referring to:\n\n- Customizing the **template** or **starting message/\u201csystem prompt\u201d** so that Copilot behaves a certain way (tone, format, style, etc.).\n- Saving *custom instructions* that apply across multiple prompts or interactions \u2014 so you don\u2019t have to repeat them every time.\n- Adjusting how Copilot responds (length, detail, tools used, etc.).\n\n---\n\n## What Copilot allows based on different versions\n\nHere are what Microsoft\u2019s various Copilot tools support \u2014 and what they don\u2019t \u2014 as of early 2026 (latest updates):\n\n| Version / Environment | Can you customize Copilot\u2019s prompt | How (briefly) |\n|---|---|---|\n| **Microsoft 365 Copilot** | **Yes**, via the *Prompt Gallery* \u2014 you can edit example prompts to match your needs (change audience, style, content). ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/edit-a-copilot-prompt-to-make-it-your-own-4f766981-dd4c-4038-a025-0f88c67fd9db?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Copilot Studio / AI Builder** | **Yes** \u2014 you can build your own custom prompt, add variables/inputs, define instructions, test them, and use them within topics or agents. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/ai-builder/create-a-custom-prompt?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **GitHub Copilot Chat** | **Yes** \u2014 through *custom instructions*. These let you set preferences that apply to your chats, or define repository- or organization-level rules (code style, frameworks, etc.). ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/concepts/prompting/response-customization?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Dynamics 365 / Finance & Operations Copilot** | **Yes (preview)** \u2014 you can customize the *zero-prompt experience*, so when the Copilot chat starts, you can predefine prompt options for users to select. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/fin-ops-core/dev-itpro/copilot/copilot-zero-prompt?utm_source=openai)) |\n\n---\n\n## What you *might not* be able to do (or limitations)\n\n- Sometimes the custom instructions won\u2019t apply if they conflict with higher-priority settings. For example, personal instructions override repository ones; but if the prompt explicitly says something, that may override even those. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/concepts/prompting/response-customization?utm_source=openai))  \n- Some features are in **preview** or limited to specific regions or subscription tiers. They might not be available to all users yet. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/ai-builder/create-a-custom-prompt?utm_source=openai))  \n- The assistant may still sometimes disregard or partially comply with your custom instructions \u2014 AI isn\u2019t perfect. For example, people report that \u201cDon\u2019t use bullet points\u201d doesn\u2019t always hold, even if set in custom instructions. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoft_365_copilot/comments/1oe5hz0?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Suggestions: What you can do right now to customize\n\n1. **Find the settings for custom instructions**  \n   If you're on GitHub Copilot, check \u201cSettings \u2192 Custom Instructions\u201d; if you're using Microsoft 365 Copilot, look for the \u201cPrompt Gallery\u201d or similar.  \n   \n2. **Be explicit in your instructions**  \n   When you define your prompt or instructions, tell Copilot exactly what you want *and* what you don\u2019t want. Eg: *\u201cWhenever I ask, respond in a friendly voice. Don\u2019t use bullet points. Give me three paragraphs max.\u201d*\n\n3. **Define reusable templates / prompt files**  \n   If supported, save prompts or rules that you can reuse so you don\u2019t have to rebuild from scratch each time. Copilot Studio and GitHub Copilot both support templates or instructions files. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/ai-builder/create-a-custom-prompt?utm_source=openai))\n\n4. **Test and tweak**  \n   Try out your custom prompt and see how Copilot responds. Often you\u2019ll need to tweak wording or add context for it to reliably follow your style.\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me **which specific Copilot product** you\u2019re using (e.g. Microsoft Copilot in Word, GitHub Copilot Chat, Copilot Studio, etc.), I can give you more precise steps for *your situation*. Want me to walk you through that?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "I%27m%20using%20copilot%20cli%20only"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Using **GitHub Copilot CLI**, you *can* customize how it behaves through several features like custom instructions, hooks, skills, custom agents, and alias/config settings. It\u2019s definitely *not stuck* in a single mode \u2014 it supports a lot of configuration. Here\u2019s a detailed breakdown of what you can do, how to do it, and what limits still remain.\n\n---\n\n## What you *can* customize in Copilot CLI\n\nThese are the main ways you can adjust what Copilot CLI prompts/generates, along with projects\u2019 styles or workflows.\n\n1. **Custom Instructions Files**  \n   - You can create files like `.github/copilot-instructions.md` in the root of your repo, or `$HOME/.copilot/copilot-instructions.md` in your home directory. These files contain persistent instructions that Copilot will automatically load at the start of a session. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/enterprise-cloud%40latest/copilot/concepts/agents/copilot-cli/comparing-cli-features?utm_source=openai))  \n   - They let you define things like code style preferences, team rules, language/tone preferences, etc., so you don\u2019t have to restate them every time. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/enterprise-cloud%40latest/copilot/concepts/agents/copilot-cli/comparing-cli-features?utm_source=openai))  \n   - If you don\u2019t want those custom instructions applied, there\u2019s a flag `--no-custom-instructions` you can use to disable loading them. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/enterprise-cloud%40latest/copilot/concepts/agents/copilot-cli/comparing-cli-features?utm_source=openai))\n\n2. **Hooks**  \n   - Hooks are user-defined shell commands or scripts that run automatically at certain key points in a Copilot CLI session (e.g. at session start, after a task, on error, etc.). ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/overview?utm_source=openai))  \n   - They let you automate surrounding tasks; e.g. run tests after code generation, auto-format code, or check linting. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/overview?utm_source=openai))\n\n3. **Skills**  \n   - Skills are project-specific modules you can build and drop in, containing resources or instructions related to your workflow or technology areas. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/overview?utm_source=openai))  \n   - They\u2019re invoked when relevant, and help make Copilot aware of specialized tooling, internal libraries, or domain-specific patterns. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/overview?utm_source=openai))\n\n4. **Custom Agents (Subagents)**  \n   - You can define \u201cagents\u201d for different parts of your workflow: e.g. a \u201creview agent\u201d, \u201crefactor agent\u201d, or \u201cdocumentation agent.\u201d These are subagents within CLI that have specific behaviors. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/overview?utm_source=openai))  \n   - Custom agents can let you orchestrate different tasks more precisely, each with its own instructions and skills. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/overview?utm_source=openai))\n\n5. **Aliases, Confirmation Defaults, and Config Settings**  \n   - You can set up shell aliases for quicker invocation (`ghcs`, `ghce`, etc.) so you don\u2019t always type the full commands. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/personal-settings/customizing-github-copilot-in-the-cli?utm_source=openai))  \n   - You can change default behavior like whether Copilot prompts you to confirm before executing suggested commands. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/personal-settings/customizing-github-copilot-in-the-cli?utm_source=openai))  \n   - There are config settings to control analytics or usage data. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/personal-settings/customizing-github-copilot-in-the-cli?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## How to set these up\n\nHere are steps you can take to customize the prompt behavior in your Copilot CLI environment:\n\n1. **Create an instruction file**  \n   - Make a file named `.github/copilot-instructions.md` at your project's root OR at `$HOME/.copilot/copilot-instructions.md` for user-wide settings. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/enterprise-cloud%40latest/copilot/concepts/agents/copilot-cli/comparing-cli-features?utm_source=openai))  \n   - Write Markdown instructions. Example:\n     ```\n     # Project Preferences\n     - Write comments in English.\n     - Output only diffs / changed lines unless asked to show full files.\n     - Use \u201csnake_case\u201d for variables unless using JavaScript where \u201ccamelCase\u201d is standard.\n     ```\n\n2. **Enable/disable loading of custom instructions**  \n   - Use `--no-custom-instructions` when running a copilot session if you want to temporarily ignore the rules. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/enterprise-cloud%40latest/copilot/concepts/agents/copilot-cli/comparing-cli-features?utm_source=openai))\n\n3. **Use hooks**  \n   - Define hooks in a hooks config (CLI supports this). Example: run tests after code change; maybe format code on task completion. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/overview?utm_source=openai))\n\n4. **Set up skills**  \n   - Create a skills folder or set of files under your project that define workflows or tooling Copilot can pull in. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/overview?utm_source=openai))\n\n5. **Define custom agents if needed**  \n   - Write `AGENTS.md` (or similar) at repo root, defining behavior of subagents. This lets you delegate tasks to specialized agents. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/overview?utm_source=openai))\n\n6. **Adjust alias/config using `gh copilot config`**  \n   - Run `gh copilot config` to tweak things like command confirmation, or usage analytics. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/personal-settings/customizing-github-copilot-in-the-cli?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## What you *can\u2019t* (or might not fully) control \u2014 current limitations\n\n- **Custom models**: Right now, you *can\u2019t* plug in arbitrary external models into Copilot CLI (like using your own fine-tuned model or external provider). Users report missing ability to add custom models. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/GithubCopilot/comments/1rjxh2n/does_anyone_know_how_to_add_custom_models_to_the/?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Perfect consistency**: Sometimes Copilot may \u201cforget\u201d or deviate from the custom instructions (especially for style or tone) even when those files are properly in place. It\u2019s not wildly rare. Some users report the behavior weakening over time. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/GithubCopilot/comments/1pqjxss/github_copilot_keeps_ignoring_custom_instructions/?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Skills or agents may be invoked only when relevant**, so behavior might still feel inconsistent when context isn\u2019t recognized. ([docs.github.com](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/overview?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\nIf you want, I could walk you through creating *your own custom prompt file* or *setting up agents/skills* for a specific language or workflow you care about (e.g. \u201cPython style + testing + API generation\u201d). Do you want to try that?"
    }
]