Microsoft just turned its AI assistant into someone who actually clocks. Copilot Tasks, a research preview announced today, cuts through the chatter and starts working in multiple steps while you focus on other things. No more text generated that you still have to react to. This version books, unsubscribes, unsubscribes and tracks content on the web using its own browser.
They describe what needs to be done. It figures out the rest.
The change is simple but significant. Chatbots gave us answers. Copilot Tasks aims to provide us completed tasks from the to-do list. Microsoft is letting a small group try it out today and plans to add more people in the next few weeks.
What Copilot Tasks can actually do for you
The company shared examples that sounded less like technical demos and more like actual tasks they would submit. You can choose to display urgent emails with draft replies every evening. Newsletters that you never open will result in you being unsubscribed. It can track new home listings and book viewings every Friday.
For work, it turns a syllabus into a study plan with practice tests and scheduled focus time. It creates slide decks from emails and attachments. Job seekers can look for relevant offers and then create a resume and cover letter for each one.
She also takes care of purchasing and logistics. Are you planning a birthday party? It finds a venue, sends out invitations, and collects RSVPs. It monitors hotel prices and rebooks when prices drop. It scans used car listings, contacts dealers and schedules test drives. It runs while you rest.
How background AI keeps you in control
Copilot Tasks works with its own computer and browser and coordinates across services without you having to watch every step. However, Microsoft emphasizes that this is not autopilot. The system asks before spending money or sending messages. You can pause or cancel everything.
Of course you describe what you need. Copilot determines the individual steps, be it surfing the Internet, creating documents, managing your calendar or contacting companies. It works in the background and reports back when it’s finished. Recurring tasks are carried out daily or weekly. One-time jobs only run once. You always have the last word.
If you can try Copilot Tasks yourself
The feature launches today as a research preview for a limited group. Microsoft would like to receive feedback from practice before an expansion. More people will gain access in the coming weeks leading up to the full release.
You can now join the waiting list. Microsoft will notify you if you are selected. The company calls this the beginning of AI that works for everyone, not just developers. At the moment the message is clear: finally there are assistants that actually help.
