Microsoft’s Copilot Enters Its ‘Second Chapter’ With Autonomous Task Execution

Microsoft is pushing Copilot past conversation and into execution.

The company has introduced Copilot Tasks, an agent-like system designed to carry out assignments rather than simply respond to prompts. According to the Copilot team, the feature runs in the background using its own browser to plan, coordinate across apps, and complete actions on a user’s behalf as part of a limited research preview.

The second chapter begins

Copilot Tasks is presented as the start of a new phase for Microsoft’s assistant.

“Conversational chatbots were the first chapter of AI. Today is the beginning of the second,” the Copilot team wrote, drawing a distinction between systems that reply and systems that carry out work.

The company made it clear this isn’t aimed at technical specialists. Copilot Tasks is described as “designed for everyone, not just developers or enterprises,” with the expectation that it fits into everyday use without configuration or custom builds. 

Work that keeps working

The system is built around assignments that don’t end after a single prompt. It can run on a schedule or remain active in the background, resurfacing urgent emails with draft replies, compiling weekly briefings, or monitoring opportunities over time.

It also handles document creation and cross-app coordination. The Copilot team outlined scenarios where inbox content and files are transformed into slide decks with charts and talking points, or where open roles are matched with tailored resumes and cover letters.

Beyond paperwork, it moves into bookings and logistics — comparing service providers, securing venues, monitoring price changes, adjusting travel plans, and rebooking reservations when rates drop — carrying out the kind of multi-step work that usually means jumping between multiple sites.

Action in the background, control in the foreground

Users start by describing their goal in plain language. Copilot Tasks then outlines the steps, navigates connected apps and websites, and completes the sequence, reporting back when finished. It can run once, on a schedule, or recur as needed.

Microsoft says users retain control over consequential decisions. The system prompts for approval before spending money or sending messages, and tasks can be reviewed, modified, paused, or canceled at any time.

From preview to public launch

Copilot Tasks is launching as a research preview with a limited group of users. Microsoft plans to use the early access period to gather feedback and refine performance across different tasks and services.

Access is currently limited to a waitlist, with broader availability expected after the preview expands. The company has not provided a timeline for general release.

Microsoft is not alone, with Google expanding Gemini to run supported app actions on Android devices.

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