Simple Chat

Create an agent with actions

Attach approved actions to an agent so it can use tools while answering.

What this does

This guide connects an existing action to an agent and narrows what the agent can do with it. The result is an assistant with both instructions and approved tool access.

Video planned

Create an agent with actions walkthrough

Recording planned. Show create an agent with actions end to end and explain why this task helps a user.

To publish this video:

  1. Upload the recording to YouTube or Microsoft Stream.
  2. Save a poster frame as docs/images/video-posters/guide-create-an-agent-with-actions.png.
  3. Add the watch URL to this slot in docs/_data/media.yml.

Why you would use this

Binding an action to an agent turns a broad tool into a safer task assistant. Use it for jobs like querying a known reporting source or calling an approved API; avoid it when the action exposes more access than the agent’s job requires.

Before you start

  • enable_semantic_kernel must be on, and the workspace must allow agents and actions; see Agents settings.
  • Create and test the action first.
  • Decide which capabilities the agent may use before attaching the action.

Steps

  1. Open the workspace that owns the agent.
  2. Open Your Agents or Agents and create or edit an agent.
  3. Complete Basic Information and Model & Connection.
  1. On Actions, select the action you want the agent to use.
  2. If capability controls appear, enable only the operations this agent needs.
  3. In Instructions, explain when to use the action and when to answer without it.
  1. Use # references from Selected Actions & Knowledge when helpful, then save the agent.

Verify it worked

In chat, select the agent and ask for a task that requires the action. The response should follow the agent instructions and use the attached action only when appropriate.

Troubleshooting

Symptom Likely cause Fix
The action is not listed It is not in the same allowed scope or actions are disabled Confirm the action exists in the workspace and governance allows it.
A Foundry agent cannot attach actions Foundry agents cannot attach local SimpleChat actions Use a Local agent for SimpleChat actions.