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Microsoft Introduces Copilot Tasks, an AI That Completes To-Dos in the Background

A small research preview will gauge its consent-focused design.

Overview

  • Copilot Tasks runs on its own cloud-based computer and browser, handling work without taxing a user’s device.
  • You can describe goals in natural language and assign one-time, scheduled, or recurring jobs, with a report delivered when work finishes.
  • Examples include surfacing urgent emails with draft replies, auto-unsubscribing from promotions, generating study plans, and turning inbox materials into slide decks.
  • Microsoft says the system will seek permission before meaningful actions such as payments or sending messages, and users can pause or cancel tasks at any time.
  • The rollout targets a limited tester group for now, with a public waitlist, as analysts view the move as Microsoft’s entry into agentic AI alongside offerings from Anthropic, OpenAI, Perplexity, and Google.