Microsoft’s Copilot Tasks AI uses its own computer to get things done

Microsoft has unveiled a research preview of Copilot Tasks, a new AI system designed to autonomously handle administrative work in the background. Unlike standard Copilot assistants that require user prompting, Tasks can be assigned complex, multi-step jobs—like compiling a weekly report from inbox attachments or monitoring rental listings—and will execute them using its own dedicated cloud computer and browser. This represents Microsoft's strategic move into the emerging 'agentic AI' space, competing directly with features like Anthropic's Claude Coworker, OpenAI's ChatGPT Agent Mode, and Google's auto-browse in Chrome. The system is built to operate independently, providing a report upon completion of its assigned tasks.

Technically, Copilot Tasks leverages a separate computing environment to perform actions like web browsing, data synthesis, and content creation without taxing the user's local machine. Key use cases demonstrated include transforming email threads and images into PowerPoint decks, canceling unused subscriptions, drafting replies to urgent messages, and even planning events end-to-end. For safety, Microsoft states the agent will request permission before taking 'meaningful actions' such as sending messages or making payments. Currently available only to a small test group via waitlist, Copilot Tasks signals a major shift from reactive AI assistants to proactive, autonomous digital workers that manage recurring workflows.