Microsoft unveils Copilot Tasks, an AI assistant that automates work while you focus elsewhere

Microsoft Enters the Agentic AI Race with Copilot Tasks

Microsoft announced on Thursday a research preview of Copilot Tasks, a new AI assistant designed to shift from conversation to action by handling digital busywork autonomously1

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. Unlike traditional chatbots that generate responses requiring human follow-up, Copilot Tasks uses its own cloud-based computer to complete multi-step tasks across browsers and apps while operating in the background3

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. Microsoft AI chief Mustafa Suleyman described it as "a whole new way to get things done," emphasizing that it's "AI that talks less and does more, no complicated setup or coding skills required"4

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How Copilot Tasks Works to Automate Routine Tasks

Users can describe what they need using natural language prompts, and assign Copilot Tasks to complete jobs on a recurring, scheduled, or one-time basis1

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. The system figures out the necessary steps independently, whether that involves browsing the web, creating documents, managing calendars, or contacting businesses3

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. Once the work is complete, Copilot Tasks provides a report detailing what was accomplished1

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. The feature runs in the background on Microsoft's cloud infrastructure, taking the load off user devices while coordinating across multiple services4

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Practical Applications from Managing Emails to Planning Events

The agentic AI can handle a wide range of practical tasks that sound less like tech demonstrations and more like actual chores people want to delegate3

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. For managing emails, it can surface urgent messages with draft replies every evening and unsubscribe from newsletters users never open3

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. It excels at organizing subscriptions and canceling ones you don't use, as well as turning emails, attachments, and images from your inbox into slide decks1

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. For creating study plans, it can transform a course syllabus into a structured schedule with practice tests and designated focus time4

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. Planning events becomes simpler as the AI assistant can handle everything from finding a venue to sending invites and collecting RSVPs for a birthday party2

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. It can also track apartment listings every Friday and schedule home tours, monitor hotel rates and rebook when prices drop, and even scan used car listings while contacting dealerships to arrange test drives3

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User Control and Permission Requirements

Microsoft emphasizes that Copilot Tasks maintains user control throughout its operations. The system will ask for permission before performing "meaningful actions," such as making a payment or sending a message1

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. Users can pause or cancel any task at any point, ensuring they always have the final say3

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. This approach balances automation with oversight, addressing concerns about autonomous AI making decisions without human input.

Microsoft's Response to OpenAI and Anthropic

Copilot Tasks represents Microsoft's answer to the growing wave of agentic AI capabilities launched by competitors in recent months1

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. The feature competes directly with offerings from OpenAI and Anthropic, including Claude Cowork, ChatGPT Agent Mode, Perplexity Computer, and the Gemini-powered "auto-browse" feature in Google Chrome1

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. By entering this space, Microsoft aims to convince users to switch to Copilot by demonstrating that its AI assistant can perform actions on their behalf rather than simply providing information2

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Availability and Waitlist Access

For now, Copilot Tasks is only available in a research preview with a small group of testers1

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. Microsoft plans to bring more people in over the coming weeks before a full release3

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. Users interested in trying an early version can join a waitlist through Microsoft's website, and the company will notify selected participants2

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. Microsoft wants real-world feedback during this preview phase to refine the feature before expanding access3

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. The company positions this as the beginning of AI that works for everyone, not just developers, with Suleyman noting that users should "just ask for what you need and Copilot will take it from there"4

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