Microsoft is experimenting with OpenClaw-style features for 365 Copilot, aiming to make its AI assistant run autonomously 24/7 while handling tasks for users. The company confirmed it's exploring these technologies in an enterprise context, according to The Information.
OpenClaw is an open-source platform that lets users create AI agents running locally on their devices. It gained traction earlier this year as part of the broader trend toward agentic AI, systems that can take action rather than just respond to prompts.
For anyone using AI tools at work, this matters because it signals a shift from assistants that wait for your commands to agents that proactively handle tasks. Imagine Copilot scheduling meetings, drafting responses, or managing workflows while you're offline.
The enterprise angle is key here. Microsoft isn't just copying a consumer tool, it's adapting autonomous agent capabilities for workplace scenarios where security, compliance, and reliability are non-negotiable.
This also reflects the broader race among tech giants to move beyond chatbots. Google, Anthropic, and others are all pushing toward AI that can actually do things, not just suggest them.
The fact that Microsoft is testing this now suggests we could see autonomous features in 365 Copilot sooner rather than later. For professionals already relying on Copilot, this could fundamentally change how much cognitive load the tool can actually take off your plate.
