Microsoft Agent Framework review
A code-first framework for graph-based agent workflows, with checkpoints and human controls.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Microsoft Agent Framework is an open-source developer framework for building and operating AI agents and multi-agent workflows with Python, .NET, and Go. It suits developers who want to define agents with custom instructions and tools, then coordinate them through code rather than rely on a visual-first builder. Its stated deployment options include cloud and self-hosted use, and its platforms include Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Workflow orchestration is a central strength: teams can define sequential, concurrent, handoff, and group-collaboration patterns. Checkpointing and streaming support workflow state and progress, while human-in-the-loop controls allow people to participate in the process. Middleware enables custom request and response processing, and YAML-based declarative agent definitions offer another way to describe agents. This breadth favors developers building multi-step, stateful processes; it may be more framework than needed for someone seeking a simple, ready-made automation.
The framework includes OpenTelemetry tracing, monitoring, and debugging, plus an interactive developer UI for testing agents and debugging workflows. It connects with Microsoft Foundry, Azure OpenAI, OpenAI, GitHub Copilot SDK, Anthropic, Ollama, MCP, and A2A. The framework itself is open source, but model and hosting services may carry separate costs; the framework has a free plan. Support is community-based. Choose it for code-first workflows that need orchestration, observability, and human controls. Consider another option if you need a visual-first setup or vendor-provided support channels.
Microsoft Agent Framework pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Orchestrates sequential, concurrent, handoff, and group-collaboration workflows
- Adds checkpointing, streaming, and human-in-the-loop controls
- Includes OpenTelemetry tracing and an interactive developer UI
- Where it doesn't
- Requires a code-first approach rather than a visual agent builder
- Model and hosting providers may charge separately
- Support is community-based
Microsoft Agent Framework fact sheet, pricing and score →
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