Official agent skill

Microsoft Skill Creator

by MicrosoftDocs in MicrosoftDocs/mcp

Create agent skills for Microsoft technologies using official documentation.

OfficialCC-BY-4.0Auto-check passedAgent Workflows

Install Microsoft Skill Creator

skills CLI
$ npx skills add MicrosoftDocs/mcp --skill microsoft-skill-creator -a claude-code

Project install by default; add -g for ~/.claude/skills/.

GitHub CLI
$ gh skill install MicrosoftDocs/mcp microsoft-skill-creator --agent claude-code

Project scope by default; add --scope user for a personal install. Needs GitHub CLI 2.90.0 or later (public preview).

Manual copy
$ git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/mcp.git skills-src && mkdir -p .claude/skills && cp -r skills-src/skills/microsoft-skill-creator .claude/skills/microsoft-skill-creator && rm -rf skills-src

Use ~/.claude/skills/ instead of .claude/skills for a personal install. The folder must contain SKILL.md.

Claude Code skills documentation · loads skills from .claude/skills/

Facts

Skill name
microsoft-skill-creator
GitHub stars
1.9k
Used in
3 other repos
Token cost
~2.1k tokens
SKILL.md length
448 words
Files
2 (incl. references)
Skills in repo
4
Repo updated
First seen
Licence
CC-BY-4.0

At a glance

Create agent skills for Microsoft technologies using official documentation.

  • Works in 5 steps: Investigate the Topic → Clarify with User → Generate the Skill → …
  • The user wants to build
  • SKILL.md covers About Skills, Learn MCP Tools, Creation Process and Common Investigation Patterns, plus 1 more section
  • Calls npx and npm; reaches learn.microsoft.com

What it does

Microsoft Skill Creator is an agent skill from MicrosoftDocs/mcp, published by the product's own GitHub organization. Create agent skills for Microsoft technologies using official documentation. Use whenever the user wants to build, generate, or scaffold a skill for any Microsoft technology (Azure, .NET, M365, VS Code, Bicep, etc.)—even phrased casually like "make a skill for Cosmos DB." Investigates the topic via official docs, then generates a hybrid skill with essential knowledge stored locally and dynamic lookups for depth.

Its SKILL.md is about 2.1k tokens, which your agent loads only when the skill is triggered. The skill folder holds 2 other files, including reference files (for example `references/skill-templates.md`). Compatibility notes: Primarily uses the Microsoft Learn MCP Server (https://learn.microsoft.com/api/mcp); if that is unavailable, fall back to the mslearn CLI (npx…

It sits in Agent Workflows, covering Skill authoring, Infrastructure as code and Building AI agents. It works with Microsoft Azure, Azure Cosmos DB, Bicep and Visual Studio Code. The repository describes itself as: Official Microsoft Learn MCP Server and CLI tool – powering LLMs and AI agents with real-time, trusted Microsoft docs & code samples. The licence is CC-BY-4.0.

When your agent uses it

  • The user wants to build
  • Scaffold a skill for any Microsoft technology (Azure
  • Etc.)—even phrased casually like make a skill for Cosmos DB. Investigates the topic via official docs
  • Then generates a hybrid skill with essential knowledge stored locally and dynamic lookups for depth

Example prompts

  • “make a skill for Cosmos DB.”
  • “/microsoft-skill-creator”

Requirements

  • Node.js
  • Compatibility (from SKILL.md): Primarily uses the Microsoft Learn MCP Server (https://learn.microsoft.com/api/mcp); if that is unavailable, fall back to the mslearn CLI (`npx @microsoft/learn-cli`).

Workflow steps

5 steps, taken from the step headings in SKILL.md.

  1. Investigate the Topic
  2. Clarify with User
  3. Generate the Skill
  4. Balance Local vs Dynamic Content
  5. Validate

What it can do on your machine

Read from SKILL.md and the folder at commit f8ffde1. It shows what the files ask for, not the result of running them.

  • Tool permissions

    Pre-approves nothing: there is no allowed-tools line, so your agent's usual permission prompts apply.

    From allowed-tools in the SKILL.md frontmatter.

  • Runs code

    Shell commands in SKILL.md call:

    • npx
    • npm

    From the folder's file list and the shell code blocks in SKILL.md.

  • Network

    Hosts in commands or code, which the agent is likely to contact:

    • learn.microsoft.com

    From URLs in SKILL.md, links to its own repository left out.

  • Credentials

    Names no API keys, tokens, secrets or passwords.

    From names ending in _API_KEY, _TOKEN, _SECRET, _KEY or _PASSWORD in SKILL.md.

  • Compatibility

    Primarily uses the Microsoft Learn MCP Server (https://learn.microsoft.com/api/mcp); if that is unavailable, fall back to the mslearn CLI (`npx @microsoft/learn-cli`).

    From compatibility in the SKILL.md frontmatter.

Context cost

Microsoft Skill Creator loads about 2.1k tokens when it runs, and up to ~4.1k if it reads all its reference files. Until then it costs about 110 tokens; SKILL.md has 448 words of instructions outside code blocks.

Always · name and description, kept in context so the agent knows when to use it
~110
When it runs · the whole SKILL.md, loaded when a task matches
~2.1k
With references · SKILL.md plus every file in references/, read only if the agent opens them
~4.1k

Estimates: characters ÷ 4, the usual rule of thumb; real counts depend on the model's tokenizer. Scripts and assets cost tokens only if the agent reads them.

Safety

Auto-check passed

The automated check found no risky patterns in SKILL.md.

Automated static check — not a guarantee. Review scripts before installing. It scans the text of SKILL.md for risky patterns (piping downloads into a shell, reading credential files, hidden Unicode, destructive commands); files beside SKILL.md are not scanned.

SKILL.md

The full file from MicrosoftDocs/mcp at commit f8ffde1, republished under its CC-BY-4.0 licence (© MicrosoftDocs). 448 words, ~2,110 tokens.

Download SKILL.mdSave it as .claude/skills/microsoft-skill-creator/SKILL.md (or your agent's skills folder). This skill also uses 1 other file; get the full folder from GitHub.
name
microsoft-skill-creator
description
Create agent skills for Microsoft technologies using official documentation. Use whenever the user wants to build, generate, or scaffold a skill for any Microsoft technology (Azure, .NET, M365, VS Code, Bicep, etc.)—even phrased casually like "make a skill for Cosmos DB." Investigates the topic via official docs, then generates a hybrid skill with essential knowledge stored locally and dynamic lookups for depth.
compatibility
Primarily uses the Microsoft Learn MCP Server (https://learn.microsoft.com/api/mcp); if that is unavailable, fall back to the mslearn CLI (`npx @microsoft/learn-cli`).
context
fork

Microsoft Skill Creator

Create hybrid skills for Microsoft technologies that store essential knowledge locally while enabling dynamic Learn MCP lookups for deeper details.

About Skills

Skills are modular packages that extend agent capabilities with specialized knowledge and workflows. A skill transforms a general-purpose agent into a specialized one for a specific domain.

Skill Structure
skill-name/
├── SKILL.md (required)     # Frontmatter (name, description) + instructions
├── references/             # Documentation loaded into context as needed
├── sample_codes/           # Working code examples
└── assets/                 # Files used in output (templates, etc.)
Key Principles
  • Frontmatter is critical: name and description determine when the skill triggers—be clear and comprehensive
  • Concise is key: Only include what agents don't already know; context window is shared
  • No duplication: Information lives in SKILL.md OR reference files, not both

Learn MCP Tools

ToolPurposeWhen to Use
microsoft_docs_searchSearch official docsFirst pass discovery, finding topics
microsoft_docs_fetchGet full page contentDeep dive into important pages
microsoft_code_sample_searchFind code examplesGet implementation patterns
CLI Alternative

If the Learn MCP server is not available, use the mslearn CLI from the command line instead:

sh
# Run directly (no install needed)
npx @microsoft/learn-cli search "semantic kernel overview"

# Or install globally, then run
npm install -g @microsoft/learn-cli
mslearn search "semantic kernel overview"
MCP ToolCLI Command
microsoft_docs_search(query: "...")mslearn search "..."
microsoft_code_sample_search(query: "...", language: "...")mslearn code-search "..." --language ...
microsoft_docs_fetch(url: "...")mslearn fetch "..."

Generated skills should include this same CLI fallback table so agents can use either path.

Creation Process

Step 1: Investigate the Topic

Build deep understanding using Learn MCP tools in three phases:

Phase 1 - Scope Discovery:

microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} overview what is")
microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} concepts architecture")
microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} getting started tutorial")

Phase 2 - Core Content:

microsoft_docs_fetch(url="...")  # Fetch pages from Phase 1
microsoft_code_sample_search(query="{technology}", language="{lang}")

Phase 3 - Depth:

microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} best practices")
microsoft_docs_search(query="{technology} troubleshooting errors")
Investigation Checklist

After investigating, verify:

  • Can explain what the technology does in one paragraph
  • Identified 3-5 key concepts
  • Have working code for basic usage
  • Know the most common API patterns
  • Have search queries for deeper topics
Step 2: Clarify with User

Present findings and ask:

  1. "I found these key areas: [list]. Which are most important?"
  2. "What tasks will agents primarily perform with this skill?"
  3. "Which programming language should code samples prioritize?"
Show full SKILL.md (168 more words)Show less
Step 3: Generate the Skill

Use the appropriate template from skill-templates.md:

Technology TypeTemplate
Client library, NuGet/npm packageSDK/Library
Azure resourceAzure Service
App development frameworkFramework/Platform
REST API, protocolAPI/Protocol
Generated Skill Structure
{skill-name}/
├── SKILL.md                    # Core knowledge + Learn MCP guidance
├── references/                 # Detailed local documentation (if needed)
└── sample_codes/               # Working code examples
    ├── getting-started/
    └── common-patterns/
Step 4: Balance Local vs Dynamic Content

Store locally when:

  • Foundational (needed for any task)
  • Frequently accessed
  • Stable (won't change)
  • Hard to find via search

Keep dynamic when:

  • Exhaustive reference (too large)
  • Version-specific
  • Situational (specific tasks only)
  • Well-indexed (easy to search)
Content Guidelines
Content TypeLocalDynamic
Core concepts (3-5)✅ Full
Hello world code✅ Full
Common patterns (3-5)✅ Full
Top API methodsSignature + exampleFull docs via fetch
Best practicesTop 5 bulletsSearch for more
TroubleshootingSearch queries
Full API referenceDoc links
Step 5: Validate
  1. Review: Is local content sufficient for common tasks?
  2. Test: Do suggested search queries return useful results?
  3. Verify: Do code samples run without errors?

Common Investigation Patterns

For SDKs/Libraries
"{name} overview" → purpose, architecture
"{name} getting started quickstart" → setup steps
"{name} API reference" → core classes/methods
"{name} samples examples" → code patterns
"{name} best practices performance" → optimization
For Azure Services
"{service} overview features" → capabilities
"{service} quickstart {language}" → setup code
"{service} REST API reference" → endpoints
"{service} SDK {language}" → client library
"{service} pricing limits quotas" → constraints
For Frameworks/Platforms
"{framework} architecture concepts" → mental model
"{framework} project structure" → conventions
"{framework} tutorial walkthrough" → end-to-end flow
"{framework} configuration options" → customization

Example: Creating a "Semantic Kernel" Skill

Investigation
microsoft_docs_search(query="semantic kernel overview")
microsoft_docs_search(query="semantic kernel plugins functions")
microsoft_code_sample_search(query="semantic kernel", language="csharp")
microsoft_docs_fetch(url="https://learn.microsoft.com/semantic-kernel/overview/")
Generated Skill
semantic-kernel/
├── SKILL.md
└── sample_codes/
    ├── getting-started/
    │   └── hello-kernel.cs
    └── common-patterns/
        ├── chat-completion.cs
        └── function-calling.cs
Generated SKILL.md
markdown
---
name: semantic-kernel
description: Build AI agents with Microsoft Semantic Kernel. Use for LLM-powered apps with plugins, planners, and memory in .NET or Python.
---

# Semantic Kernel

Orchestration SDK for integrating LLMs into applications with plugins, planners, and memory.

## Key Concepts

- **Kernel**: Central orchestrator managing AI services and plugins
- **Plugins**: Collections of functions the AI can call
- **Planner**: Sequences plugin functions to achieve goals
- **Memory**: Vector store integration for RAG patterns

## Quick Start

See [getting-started/hello-kernel.cs](sample_codes/getting-started/hello-kernel.cs)

## Learn More

| Topic | How to Find |
|-------|-------------|
| Plugin development | `microsoft_docs_search(query="semantic kernel plugins custom functions")` |
| Planners | `microsoft_docs_search(query="semantic kernel planner")` |
| Memory | `microsoft_docs_fetch(url="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/semantic-kernel/frameworks/agent/agent-memory")` |

## CLI Alternative

If the Learn MCP server is not available, use the `mslearn` CLI instead:

| MCP Tool | CLI Command |
|----------|-------------|
| `microsoft_docs_search(query: "...")` | `mslearn search "..."` |
| `microsoft_code_sample_search(query: "...", language: "...")` | `mslearn code-search "..." --language ...` |
| `microsoft_docs_fetch(url: "...")` | `mslearn fetch "..."` |

Run directly with `npx @microsoft/learn-cli <command>` or install globally with `npm install -g @microsoft/learn-cli`.

© MicrosoftDocs, CC-BY-4.0. Rendered from Markdown: HTML in the file is shown as text, images as links, and headings moved down two levels. Raw file

Files

SKILL.md and 1 other file (references) in skills/microsoft-skill-creator of MicrosoftDocs/mcp.

  • SKILL.md
  • references/skill-templates.md

Open the folder on GitHubat commit f8ffde1

Used in 3 other repositories

We found 3 copies of this SKILL.md (exact, near-identical or edited) in other folders, from 3 other GitHub owners. This page covers the copy in MicrosoftDocs/mcp, which our catalogue first saw on October 7, 2026.

Compare with similar skills

Microsoft Skill Creator next to the 5 skills that share the most tags, products or categories with it. Stars are the repository's; “used in” counts other GitHub owners with a copy.

Microsoft Skill Creator compared with similar skills
SkillStarsUsed inTokensAuto-checkLicenceRepo updated
Microsoft Skill Creator this skillMicrosoftDocs/mcp1.9k3 repos~2.1kAutomated safety check: PassCC-BY-4.0
Microsoft Docsmicrosoft/ai-agents-for-beginners77k3 repos~1.2kAutomated safety check: PassMIT
Microsoft Docsmicrosoft/ai-agents-for-beginners77k—~1.6kAutomated safety check: PassMIT
Microsoft Docsmicrosoft/ai-agents-for-beginners77k—~1.3kAutomated safety check: PassMIT
Microsoft Docsmicrosoft/ai-agents-for-beginners77k—~1.4kAutomated safety check: PassMIT
Microsoft Docsmicrosoft/ai-agents-for-beginners77k—~1.4kAutomated safety check: PassMIT

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Categories

Questions about Microsoft Skill Creator

What does Microsoft Skill Creator do?

Create agent skills for Microsoft technologies using official documentation. Microsoft Skill Creator is an agent skill from MicrosoftDocs/mcp, published by the product's own GitHub organization. Create agent skills for Microsoft technologies using official documentation.

When should I use Microsoft Skill Creator?

Microsoft Skill Creator fits situations like: the user wants to build; scaffold a skill for any Microsoft technology (Azure; etc.)—even phrased casually like make a skill for Cosmos DB. Investigates the topic via official docs; then generates a hybrid skill with essential knowledge stored locally and dynamic lookups for depth.

How do I install Microsoft Skill Creator in Claude Code?

Run `npx skills add MicrosoftDocs/mcp --skill microsoft-skill-creator -a claude-code`. Or copy the skill folder (skills/microsoft-skill-creator in MicrosoftDocs/mcp) into .claude/skills/microsoft-skill-creator in your project. Claude Code loads it when a task matches its description.

How do I install Microsoft Skill Creator in Codex?

Run `npx skills add MicrosoftDocs/mcp --skill microsoft-skill-creator -a codex`. Or copy the skill folder (skills/microsoft-skill-creator in MicrosoftDocs/mcp) into .agents/skills/microsoft-skill-creator in your project. Codex loads it when a task matches its description.

Can I use Microsoft Skill Creator in Cursor, Gemini CLI or GitHub Copilot?

Cursor, Gemini CLI, GitHub Copilot and OpenCode also load SKILL.md folders. With the skills CLI, run `npx skills add MicrosoftDocs/mcp --skill microsoft-skill-creator -a cursor` (or -a gemini-cli, github-copilot or opencode for the others). To copy it by hand, put the folder in .cursor/skills/microsoft-skill-creator, .gemini/skills/microsoft-skill-creator, .github/skills/microsoft-skill-creator and .opencode/skills/microsoft-skill-creator in your project.

What does Microsoft Skill Creator need to run?

Going by SKILL.md and its folder, Microsoft Skill Creator needs the command-line tools its instructions call (npx and npm). Our summary lists: Node.js. Compatibility (from SKILL.md): Primarily uses the Microsoft Learn MCP Server (https://learn.microsoft.com/api/mcp); if that is unavailable, fall back to the mslearn CLI (`npx @microsoft/learn-cli`)..

Does Microsoft Skill Creator access the network?

SKILL.md names 1 domain. In commands or code: learn.microsoft.com; the agent is likely to contact it when it follows the instructions. This is read from the text; nothing was executed.

Is Microsoft Skill Creator safe to install?

Our automated static check of SKILL.md found no risky patterns, such as piping downloads into a shell, reading credential files or hidden Unicode. It is not a guarantee. Review the folder before installing.

What licence does Microsoft Skill Creator use?

Microsoft Skill Creator is published under the CC-BY-4.0 licence (the repository's licence). It allows redistribution, so the full SKILL.md is shown on this page.

How many tokens does Microsoft Skill Creator use?

About 2.1k tokens (SKILL.md is roughly 8.4k characters). Agents keep only the skill's name and description in context until a task matches; then they load SKILL.md in full. Its references folder adds about 2k tokens, read only when the agent opens those files.

What are the alternatives to Microsoft Skill Creator?

Skills that share tags, products or a category with Microsoft Skill Creator: Microsoft Docs (microsoft/ai-agents-for-beginners, 77k stars), Microsoft Docs (microsoft/ai-agents-for-beginners, 77k stars), Microsoft Docs (microsoft/ai-agents-for-beginners, 77k stars) and Microsoft Docs (microsoft/ai-agents-for-beginners, 77k stars). The comparison table on this page puts their stars, adoption, token cost, safety result and licence side by side.

Who maintains Microsoft Skill Creator?

MicrosoftDocs (a GitHub organization, an official publisher) maintains it in MicrosoftDocs/mcp, which has 1,936 GitHub stars. The repository holds 4 skills in this directory. The repository was last updated on September 29, 2026.

Source: MicrosoftDocs/mcp on GitHub. Facts on this page come from the repository at the commit we read; the author's words are quoted as theirs.