Overview
- Windows Insider testers can try Copilot Actions, which runs in an isolated Agent Workspace to automate local tasks like organizing downloads, converting files and extracting PDF data.
- Microsoft issued a security notice that agent features are disabled by default and can be enabled only by device admins, granting agents read and write access to known folders while requiring audit logs, least‑privilege access and explicit human approval to counter threats such as cross‑prompt injection.
- The new Ask Copilot experience in the taskbar enters public preview with global voice wake, the ability to call specific agents using the @ symbol, and live status indicators for background agent tasks.
- Microsoft 365 adds Agent Mode to Word, Excel and PowerPoint for summarization, analysis and slide generation, with Microsoft citing widespread enterprise use and introducing a $21‑per‑user‑per‑month Copilot Business plan for smaller organizations.
- Azure Copilot Agents move into private preview with six specialized cloud management agents and an Operations Center that surfaces step plans for approval, while Microsoft Defender adds four Security Copilot agents with Predictive Shielding and cross‑cloud protection, and Windows 365 for Agents brings AI‑enhanced cloud PCs to public preview.