Get started with Project Opal (Frontier)

Project Opal is a capability in Microsoft Copilot that gets task-based work done for you. You describe the task and Opal starts to work on your behalf, leveraging computer use on a secure Windows 365 Cloud PC to work across your organization’s browser-based applications, sites, and data. Opal works asynchronously in the background, and users can guide the work along the way as needed and take control at any time.

Project Opal takes on multiple tasks to more complex processes that include:

• Managing security groups membership requests
• Collecting and validating audit evidence for compliance reviews
• Triaging IT incidents by updating ticket status, assigning owners, and closing duplicates based on meeting transcripts or notes
• Compiling Excel data into a financial close deck

Where to find Project Opal

Sign in to the Microsoft Copilot app.

You can find Project Opal in the app launcher at the top of the left navigation pane.

How to use Project Opal

1. Open Microsoft Copilot.
2. Open the app launcher from the left navigation pane.
3. Select Opal. It will open in a new browser.
4. Start a job by selecting +New.
5. Describe the work you want done, including any expected outputs.
6. Select Start⁠,⁠ and Opal will start working on your job by generating a plan. A Windows 365 Cloud PC will be initialized, and you will be prompted to sign-in so Opal can work on your behalf. You may also need to allow browser pop-ups for authentication purposes.
7. As Opal is working on the task, you’ll have the ability to maximize the computer view to see the actions that Opal is taking.
8. If Opal needs more details from you, it will pause its work and ask for help. You can also guide the work as it’s happening by adding in additional commands or requests in the chat box and take control at any time.

Resume a job paused by Project Opal

Opal may pause if it needs more information such as login credentials, sensitive information, or clarification on ambiguous instructions. You'll see information on why it is paused.

1. Respond to Opal with the requested information in chat.
2. Once you respond, Opal will continue the job.

Take control during a job

1. Select Take Control above the Windows Cloud PC.
2. This pauses the agent and switches you into a Remote Desktop interface, allowing you to interact directly with the Cloud PC.

Give back control of a job to Project Opal

1. To give back control of a job, select Return control.
2. Optionally, you can enter information about what you did before you hand back control so Opal can pick up in the right place.

Pause or resume a task

1. While the task is running, select Pause at the top. When you’re ready to start again, select Resume.

Duplicate a job

1. Navigate to an old or currently running job that you'd like to duplicate.
2. Select the three dots in the top-right corner of the Opal interface.
3. Select Repeat intial request to create a new job with the same prompt as an old job.

Delete a job

1. On the main homepage of Project Opal, select the three dots in the top-right corner.
2. Select Delete job.

Find and manage your jobs

On the Project Opal homepage, under All jobs, you’ll find a list of all current and previous jobs you have where you can:

• Duplicate a job
• View a previous job and its status
• Delete a job

You can have up to three jobs running at the same time. If you try to run a fourth job, your oldest job will close out.

How do I ensure my data is secure when using Project Opal?

Opal is built with enterprise-grade security and privacy in mind. Here’s how your data is protected:

• Secure environment: Project Opal operates on Windows Cloud PCs to ensure all actions take place in a managed, isolated environment that meets organizational security standards.
• User-centric guardrails: Project Opal uses your identity to only accesses data and systems you are authorized for. It never performs sensitive actions—like entering passwords or submitting forms—without your explicit confirmation. You can monitor and intervene at any time.
• Limited Access by Default: Project Opal is restricted to a browser-only experience. All other computer access is blocked, and browser policies are enforced through Intune. Your admin can choose to set up a blocklist of websites that Opal is restricted from accessing.
• Privacy Controls: Project Opal does not share data outside your organization or perform unauthorized actions.
• Supervised Actions: Project Opal’s reasoning engine is supervised at every step. If suspicious activity is detected, Opal will pause and ask for your confirmation before proceeding to help prevent prompt unauthorized actions.
• Auditability: All actions taken by Project Opal are logged for transparency and traceability, so you can review what was done and why.

How to use a skill

1. Open the Settings menu in the top right.
2. Click on Skills.
3. Click Add skill and work with Opal to create a skill either through importing a .md file, writing a new skill from scratch, or talking to Opal about the work you’d like to achieve.
4. If you choose to build a new skill with Opal, make sure to run the skill in your conversation to make sure Opal carries out the task as expected.
5. Reuse the skill in new conversations, anytime.

Get the best results with Project Opal

• Start with clear, specific prompts: Be precise when describing the task. Clear instructions help Project Opal generate a better plan and reduce the need for follow-up clarifications.
• Return control: If you take control, remember to select Finish up and describe to Opal what you did so it can resume accurately and smoothly.
• Respond to prompts: When Opal needs help, respond promptly to ensure the task is completed.
• Utilize Skills: Skills is one of our new features that allows you to write instructions for repeatable jobs. Use Skills to help Opal get your job done more efficiently.
• Turn on browser notifications: Use your browser settings to make sure that notifications are turned on for Project Opal. This way, you can be notified when Project Opal needs your assistance or when it is has completed the work.
• Provide feedback: Use the thumbs up/thumbs down icons or select Give feedback to help improve performance of Project Opal.