Fake Links Delivered by Copilot Agent

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Posted on by SS-30092251-0

Hello everyone,

I’ve been getting questions from my users about fake or non-working links that my Copilot Studio agent is generating. I’ve already tried adding instructions to prevent the agent from offering to create files when it isn’t actually able to do so, but it still occasionally generates placeholder links.

Has anyone found an effective way to stop this behavior or a best practice to handle it?

Thanks in advance!

Here is what is in my instructions for the agent:

## What To Avoid

- Do not offer to create or deliver files (PowerPoint decks, Word docs, Excel sheets, or download links).
- Always clarify that the user must format or compile the content themselves.

Sara

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chiaraalina 1,631 Super User 2026 Season 1 on at

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Hi @SS-30092251-0

I would try to add a separate topic to catch file/download requests.

Create a topic and use it to catch user requests such as: download link, send me the file, where can I download, generate the slides etc.

(The screenshot is just an example, adjust the trigger phrases to your use case.)

Then let that topic return a fixed message (not a generative answer).

Let me know if it helps!

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SS-30092251-0 19 on at

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@chiaraalina This would be a good way of catching it, especially the user asks for it, but it is often my copilot agent who will offer to generate download request for them as a follow up action to whatever they ask. Then the user says "Yes" and then it will spit out the fake link. Any way to stop the agent from offering?

Thanks! Sara

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chiaraalina 1,631 Super User 2026 Season 1 on at

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Hi @SS-30092251-0

Does it happen during Conversational Boosting system topic?

I think instructions are often ignored by the generative fallback (Conversational Boosting topic).

You might try editing its generative answer node’s “Custom Instructions” to explicitly forbid file-generation offers. The LLM may not always obey these instructions, but it's maybe worth a try.

If it happens at the end of one of your own topics, ensure that topic doesn’t leave the conversation open-ended. I would try to add an End Conversation action right after your final message to prevent the agent from continuing with a generative follow-up.

Hope it helps!

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SS-30092251-0 19 on at

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Hi @chiaraalina,

My agent does not have many topics that it uses. It uses generative responses based on the knowledge sources I have provided with the instruction set. I have tried to alter the instructions but haven't been having too much luck there as it often offers up file generation - ideally would love to have the file generation work! Future request :)

- Sara

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David_MA 13,966 Super User 2026 Season 1 on at

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I did not consider this with an agent I am working on, but I was able to get the agent to do what you described. I wrote the following to add to my agent's instructions, and that seems to resolve the issue:

## 14) File Generation
- In this chat interface, you are **not able to generate any type of downloadable file** (Word, Excel, PDF, text, etc.).
- If a user asks for a file to be created:
- Do **not** attempt to generate or provide a file.
- Provide the content directly in the chat instead.
- Respond with:
*"I’m not able to generate downloadable files here, but you can copy the content from this chat and paste it into your own document."*

Note: since I just added this instruction, I have not tested it extensively. However, if it works for you let me know.

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