In its announcement, Microsoft wrote, “Conversational chatbots were the first chapter of AI. Today is the beginning of the second. We are excited to introduce Copilot Tasks — AI that doesn’t just talk to you, but works for you.” The company describes it as “a to-do list that does itself.”
From chat assistant to action engine
Until now, Copilot focused on drafting emails, summarising documents, and answering questions. Useful, yes. But you still had to switch apps, confirm bookings, or manually track tasks. Copilot Tasks aims to reduce that friction.
Microsoft says you describe a goal in natural language, and the system builds a step-by-step plan. It then runs the workflow in the background across apps and web services, and reports back when approval is needed or when the task is complete.
It works inside a controlled environment with its own computer and browser. That means the AI can browse websites, coordinate across services, and execute actions without using your device’s local resources.
What Copilot Tasks can actually do
Microsoft groups early use cases into clear categories.
For recurring routines, it can surface urgent emails with draft replies, track apartment listings and book showings, or compile Monday morning briefings based on meetings and travel.
For document generation, it can turn a syllabus into a study plan with practice tests, transform emails into a slide deck, or monitor job listings and tailor resumes and cover letters.
For services and logistics, it can compare plumber quotes, monitor hotel rates and rebook when prices drop, reserve rides aligned with flights, and organise subscriptions for cancellation.
The idea is not just text generation. It is multi-step coordination across tools.
Control and consent
Microsoft stresses that Copilot Tasks is not fully autonomous. The blog states, “It’s not autopilot. It’s a copilot, working with you, always giving you control of the final decision.”
It asks for consent before spending money, sending messages, or confirming reservations. Users can review, pause, or cancel a task at any time.
This matters. As AI systems start handling bookings and payments, trust becomes a key factor. Even small errors can create real world problems.
How to access Microsoft Copilot Tasks
Copilot Tasks is currently in a limited research preview, with wider access expected in the coming weeks as Microsoft gathers feedback. You can join the waitlist at – https://copilot.microsoft.com/tasks/preview
Whether users feel comfortable handing over parts of their workflow to an AI agent will likely define how quickly such tools move from preview to everyday use.