Using Copilot Tasks

How does Copilot Tasks work?

Copilot Tasks allow you to delegate certain tasks or work to Copilot using natural language. Instead of working step by step in a conversation, you describe a goal and Copilot plans and executes the steps needed to complete it. Tasks can be run immediately or scheduled to run later. Copilot may browse the web, navigate and interact with websites, generate or edit files, or use connected services you've authorized (such as email or cloud storage) to deliver a result for your review.

You can manage two types of tasks in Copilot:

1. Regular tasks run once and begin as soon as you submit your request.
   Example: “Order pizza for my family tonight.”

2. Scheduled tasks run at a specific time or on a recurring schedule.
   Example: “Email me a weekly summary of Microsoft stock performance.”

All tasks live in the Tasks view in Copilot, where you can review progress, pause or stop tasks, edit schedules, or delete tasks at any time. You can also delete any Tasks stored memory.

For more information on how to change what Copilot remembers about you, read about Copilot Privacy Controls.

For browser‑based tasks, Copilot interacts with websites in a human‑like way, such as clicking, scrolling, and typing. You may be able to observe the task as it runs, stop it at any time, or take control when required. Some tasks may complete quickly, while others may take longer depending on complexity. As a task runs, you may see progress updates or intermediate results. Copilot may pause and ask for your input if additional approval or information is needed.

You are always in control of a task in Copilot:

• You can stop a running task at any time by clicking the interrupt message button.

• You can pause, turn off, or delete scheduled tasks.

• Tasks are user initiated and will not start without you specifically asking to start a Task

You can monitor a task by watching its progress in the Tasks view of Copilot. As a task runs, you will see the steps it is taking and any websites or actions involved. If the task starts doing something you did not expect, you can stop it immediately or take control.

Uses and limitations

Copilot Tasks can be useful for everyday activities like research, content creation, scheduling, and managing workflows.

However, because Tasks can act on your behalf, you should be especially cautious with:

• Payments or financial actions

• Account or file changes

• Websites you don’t recognize or trust

• Actions requiring the advice of a professional: Copilot is not a professional advisor, so you should not rely on it for actions requiring financial, legal, medical, or other advice or judgment.

• Actions that impact people: Tasks should not be used to make sensitive decisions that impact individuals, such as decisions relating to jobs, loans, insurance, housing, safety.

Copilot Tasks may not work well for some activities, including the following:

• Highly sensitive or critical activities

• Advanced document layout or design work

• Websites that restrict automated interaction

Copilot Tasks should be used in accordance with the Copilot Terms of Use. You are responsible for what Copilot Tasks does on your behalf, and you must adhere to the following:

• Do not do anything illegal.

• Do not use the product to avoid responsibility for actions or decisions.

• Do not access accounts, devices, or data without authorization.

• Do not upload, collect, use, or share personal information of others without authorization.

• Do not upload, create, or share content that is harmful.

• Do not upload, collect, or use private, confidential, or copyrighted information you don’t have the right to use.

• Do not scam, impersonate, deceive, harass, exploit, or threaten others.

• Do not create or spread malware, hacking tools, or security attacks.

• Do not exploit, abuse, spam, manipulate, compromise, or violate the rules of another system or service.

• Do not try to bypass, override, jailbreak, or otherwise circumvent Copilot or third-party safety or security features, limits, or restrictions, or to authorize actions you would not be allowed to take yourself.

Security and safety considerations

Copilot Tasks uses automation to take actions on your behalf, which can introduce different risks than using general purpose AI tools that help you conduct research or generate content. While Tasks are designed to help you save time and complete multi‑step workflows, they may occasionally make mistakes and may also require user input or oversight. Always review Copilot’s instructions and work carefully. If a task starts accessing websites or files or performing actions you didn’t intend, immediately stop the task and review before continuing.