Marking a shift beyond traditional chatbots, Microsoft has unveiled a new AI feature called Copilot Tasks. The company said the tool is designed not just to answer questions or draft content, but to independently complete work on a user’s behalf using its cloud-based computing environment.
Copilot Tasks is launching as a research preview for a limited group of users. Microsoft plans to expand access gradually in the coming weeks before a wider release. Interested users can join a waitlist through the company’s website.
What Copilot Tasks does
Microsoft describes Copilot Tasks as a system where users assign work in natural language. Instead of replying to prompts, the AI plans and executes multi-step actions across apps and services, then reports back once completed. Tasks can run once, on a schedule, or on a recurring basis.
In testing, users have used it for recurring actions such as highlighting urgent emails each evening with draft replies, unsubscribing from promotional emails, tracking apartment listings weekly, and generating Monday morning briefings summarizing meetings and travel plans.
The system can also create documents. It can convert a syllabus into a structured study plan with practice tests, compile job listings based on a user’s experience, and turn emails and attachments into presentation slides with charts and talking points.
For consumers, Microsoft said Copilot Tasks can plan birthday parties, compare local service providers like plumbers, monitor used car listings, and book appointments. It can also schedule rides based on flight timings, track hotel prices and rebook if rates drop, and review subscriptions to cancel unused services.
How it works
Copilot Tasks runs on its own virtual computer and browser in the cloud. Users describe the desired outcome, and the system determines the required steps. This may include web browsing, drafting content, coordinating across apps, or interacting with third-party services.
Microsoft said the feature will request user consent before major actions like payments or sending messages. Users can review, pause, or cancel tasks anytime. The company emphasized that it functions as a “copilot,” not a fully autonomous system, ensuring users retain final control.
Copilot Tasks places Microsoft among companies launching agent-style AI tools, including Anthropic’s Claude Cowork, OpenAI’s ChatGPT Agent Mode, Perplexity AI’s Perplexity Computer, and Google’s Gemini-based auto-browsing in Chrome.
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