Microsoft has introduced Copilot Tasks, a new artificial intelligence service that automatically performs tasks in the background using its own cloud computers. The innovative feature allows users to describe their needs in natural language and assign AI to perform tasks from scheduling appointments to creating design plans.
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This approach represents a radical change in the way users interact with artificial intelligence, transforming it from a simple question-and-answer assistant to an active partner that can take on complex tasks.
Copilot Tasks is Microsoft's answer to the growing competition in the AI agent space , where it competes with services like Anthropic 's Claude Cowork , OpenAI 's ChatGPT Agent Mode , Perplexity Computer , and Google Chrome 's auto-browse feature . The new service stands out by offloading the computational load from the user's device to the cloud , allowing for continuous operation even when the computer is turned off.
This architecture offers significant advantages over local solutions, as it saves system resources and allows more demanding tasks to be performed without affecting the performance of the user's device.
According to Microsoft ,users can describe their tasks using natural language and schedule them to be executed on a recurring, scheduled, or one-time basis. After each task is completed, Copilot Tasks provides a detailed report with the results.
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The natural language processing capability is based on the GPT-4 and GPT-4o, which have been trained to understand complex instructions and convert them into executable actions across various applications and services.
Microsoft says Copilot Tasks will ask for permission before performing “important actions,” such as making a payment or sending a message on behalf of the user. This approach reflects the company’s philosophy that the user remains “the pilot” of the process, while AI acts as an assistant. The service keeps activity history for 18 months and allows data to be exported via the privacy dashboard, providing transparency into the actions performed.
Technically, Copilot Tasks works through the Microsoft Graph, which provides secure access to organizational data while maintaining existing access controls. Businesses considering adopting the service should ensure they have up-to-date data management policies and train their employees on the proper use of AI agents.
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It is also recommended to create backups of critical data before activating automated tasks and regularly review the access rights granted to AI.
