Microsoft has unveiled a major expansion of its Copilot platform, adding code-generation capabilities and autonomous AI tools as the technology giant seeks to make the assistant a broader workplace productivity platform.
The company announced the new features on Friday, September 25, including Code, a tool that allows users to build applications, dashboards and other software using natural-language instructions. The feature is powered by technology also used in GitHub Copilot and will initially be available to selected early-access customers.
Microsoft is also introducing Autopilot, an upgraded version of its Scout AI agent. The tool is designed to operate as a digital coworker, with its own identity in an organisation’s directory and permissions that businesses can control.
The company said the changes are intended to address concerns around security, compliance and governance as businesses increasingly adopt AI agents.
Microsoft is also integrating Word, Excel and PowerPoint directly into Copilot, allowing users to work with the applications without leaving the AI interface. New cost-management tools will give organisations greater visibility into spending linked to AI usage.
The broader expansion comes as Microsoft faces growing competition from AI platforms including ChatGPT and Claude, with the company seeking to increase Copilot adoption among consumers and enterprise users.
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