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Copilot Studio - Calling Actions from Copilot S...
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Copilot Studio: Custom Connector Fails with "No Auth" but Works with Microsoft Auth

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Hi community,
I’ve created a Copilot agent in Microsoft Copilot Studio that uses two knowledge sources:
  1. A Knowledge Base (working perfectly).
  2. A Custom Connector connected to a public Microsoft MCP server.
Problem:
When I set the tool’s authentication method in Copilot Studio to “Authenticate with Microsoft”, everything works fine—the bot is able to answer questions via the test interface.
However, when I switch the tool’s authentication method to “No Authentication” (since the MCP server is public and doesn’t require auth), the model throws the following error:
Error Message:
"Let's get you connected first, and then I can find that info for you. Open connection manager to verify your credentials. Once the connection is ready, retry your request."
Disabling the custom connector tool allows the bot to answer questions again—so the Knowledge Base itself is fine.
 
What I’ve Checked:
  • In the Custom Connector, authentication is explicitly set to "No Authentication".
  • The MCP server endpoint is publicly accessible and does not require any login.
  • This issue appears to be on the Copilot Studio side, as it seems to expect some authentication even when explicitly told "No Authentication".
Goal:
I want to embed this Copilot on a custom website, but this authentication issue is breaking the experience when the custom connector tool is active.
Question:
  • Why is Copilot Studio still prompting for authentication when the custom connector is set to "No Authentication"?
  • Is there a workaround or configuration setting to prevent Copilot Studio from asking for connection credentials when they are not needed?
Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.
Categories:
  • Suggested answer
    Michael E. Gernaey Profile Picture
    45,089 Super User 2025 Season 2 on at
    Copilot Studio: Custom Connector Fails with "No Auth" but Works with Microsoft Auth
     
    Custom connectors are premium so they require licenses, so it requires you to authenticate.
     
    If these suggestions help resolve your issue, Please consider Marking the answer as such and also maybe a like.
    Thank you!
    Sincerely, Michael Gernaey

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