We’re building Copilot as a new OS for work that spans every model, every form factor, and every task. Today, we’re announcing our biggest update to Copilot to

Microsoft is positioning Copilot as a new operating system for work, moving beyond AI that answers questions to systems that proactively integrate into workflows and execute tasks. The company describes agents as active participants with persistent identities, permissions, and the ability to perform multi-step tasks across organizational systems. Microsoft highlights existing infrastructure such as Work IQ, Cowork, Scout, Agent 365, Entra, Purview, and multi-model orchestration as foundational to this shift. The announcement emphasizes Copilot’s role in bridging intelligence and execution, particularly where interactions extend beyond Microsoft’s own trust boundaries.

The update frames Copilot as an operating system that spans every model, form factor, and task, aiming to centralize work processes under a unified AI framework. Microsoft describes this as a shift from AI that helps users think to AI that helps users do, altering the skills companies will prioritize in the job market. The company notes that people who can direct, evaluate, and collaborate with these systems will gain a competitive advantage in the evolving workplace. The announcement underscores the need for structured governance as Copilot’s role expands into external systems and data environments.

Microsoft introduces the concept of an independent governance layer, called Convergence, to manage interactions between Copilot’s intelligence and consequential execution across external systems. This layer is positioned as critical for maintaining control as Copilot becomes more deeply embedded in workflows involving government databases, hospital systems, financial infrastructure, and other external APIs. The company highlights that existing governance within its ecosystem, such as Agent 365’s centralized visibility, will be complemented by this new infrastructure.

The announcement also highlights Copilot’s integration with GitHub, expanding its utility for companies using Microsoft cloud or office applications. Microsoft emphasizes that the success of Copilot in enterprise settings will depend heavily on the underlying permissions model, particularly as proactive agents may surface existing oversharing risks. The update reflects a broader trend toward holistic AI platforms that operate within the full scope of a business’s digital environment.