Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announces Copilot Cowork: Explains how it can enable AI to execute tasks across Microsoft 365

• Microsoft launches Copilot Cowork for task automation in 365 apps
• Copilot Cowork turns instructions into plans and completes tasks
• Feature in Research Preview, wider rollout set for 2026

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Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has announced Copilot Cowork, a new capability designed to help artificial intelligence execute tasks across Microsoft 365 applications. The feature builds on Microsoft’s Copilot platform and focuses on turning user requests into actions instead of only generating responses.

According to Microsoft, Copilot Cowork allows users to delegate work to AI by describing the outcome they want. The system then converts that request into a structured plan and executes tasks across tools such as Outlook, Teams, Excel, and other Microsoft 365 services.

The company said the feature is intended to help users automate workflows and manage multiple tasks simultaneously while keeping control over approvals and changes.

How Copilot Cowork works

Copilot Cowork works by translating a user’s request into a step-by-step plan. Once the plan is created, the system continues executing tasks in the background while providing checkpoints for the user to review progress.

Microsoft said Copilot can also ask for clarification if a request is unclear. Before applying changes, the system displays recommended actions so users can approve them. This allows Copilot to perform tasks independently while ensuring that users remain in control of decisions.

The feature is powered by Work IQ, a system that uses signals from across Microsoft 365 services including emails, meetings, files, and enterprise data. This allows Copilot Cowork to understand the context of work and carry out tasks accordingly.

Examples of workplace automation

Microsoft shared several examples of how Copilot Cowork can automate common workplace tasks.

One example is calendar management. Copilot Cowork can review a user’s Outlook calendar, identify conflicts or low-priority meetings, and suggest rescheduling or declining them. After approval, it can update the schedule and add focus blocks for uninterrupted work.

Another example involves meeting preparation. Copilot Cowork can gather information from emails, files, and past meetings to create briefing documents, presentation decks, and supporting analysis. These files are stored within Microsoft 365 so team members can collaborate on them.

The system can also perform company research by collecting earnings reports, regulatory filings, analyst commentary, and news sources. It organizes this information into an executive summary, a research memo, and a structured Excel workbook with supporting data.

For product launches, Copilot Cowork can compile competitive analysis, generate customer pitch decks, and outline launch milestones with assigned owners and next steps.

Security and availability

Microsoft said Copilot Cowork operates within Microsoft 365’s enterprise security and governance framework. Identity controls, permissions, and compliance policies apply automatically to the actions performed by the system.

Tasks run in a protected cloud environment and all actions and outputs can be audited. Microsoft also noted that Copilot integrates multiple AI models, including technology developed in collaboration with Anthropic.

Copilot Cowork is currently available to a limited number of customers through a Research Preview. Microsoft plans to expand access through its Frontier program in late March 2026.