Microsoft Expands Copilot with Actions, New Agents, and IT Tools

Microsoft’s 2024 Ignite conference brought exciting updates to its AI-powered Copilot platform, positioning it as a transformative tool for businesses and IT teams. These updates include Copilot Actions for task automation, an array of new agents for streamlining business processes, and advanced IT management tools to secure and optimize its use.

Already in use by nearly 70% of Fortune 500 companies, Microsoft 365 Copilot has delivered measurable value:

• Dow estimates millions in shipping operation savings.

• Bank of Queensland Group reports that 70% of users save 2.5 to 5 hours weekly.

• Eaton has accelerated internal documentation by 83%.

• Accenture is rolling out Copilot to 100,000 employees.

With these enhancements, Microsoft aims to further embed Copilot into daily workflows and make AI an indispensable part of modern business.

Copilot Actions: Simplifying Everyday Tasks

Copilot Actions introduce a new way to automate repetitive tasks with simple prompts. Users can set up automation for scenarios like:

• Receiving a summary of key action items at the end of the workday.

• Collecting inputs for a weekly team newsletter.

• Preparing for customer meetings with recaps of recent interactions.

These actions can be set up once and will continue running until modified or disabled. Copilot Actions are currently in private preview, with broader availability expected soon.

Enhanced Collaboration with Copilot Pages

Copilot Pages, a dynamic workspace for team collaboration, now allows users to prompt Copilot to create interactive flowcharts, write code snippets, or pull data from Microsoft Graph. Teams can build upon these shared Pages, making them a durable resource for collaborative projects.

Copilot Pages will be generally available in early 2025.

Advanced Features in Teams, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Microsoft is enhancing its core productivity apps with AI capabilities:

• Teams: Copilot can now analyze visual content shared during meetings (e.g., slides or web pages) and answer related questions, along with summarizing chats and files like presentations. Public preview in early 2025.

• Outlook: Copilot can schedule focus sessions or meetings by analyzing multiple calendars and draft detailed agendas. Themes by Copilot allows users to create personalized visual themes. Generally available by the end of 2024.

• PowerPoint: Copilot will translate entire presentations into 40 languages while maintaining design integrity, making it a powerful tool for global teams. Available in 2025.

Introducing New Agents in Copilot Studio

Microsoft is expanding Copilot Studio to allow organizations to create and deploy custom agents tailored to their needs. New agents include:

• SharePoint Agent: Provides instant access to documents, product specs, and schedules, leveraging the platform’s extensive knowledge base.

• Interpreter Agent: Offers real-time speech-to-speech translation during Teams meetings while simulating the user’s voice for added personalization. Public preview in early 2025.

• Employee Self-Service Agent: Answers HR and IT questions and simplifies tasks like benefit inquiries or laptop requests.

• Facilitator Agent: Automatically takes notes during Teams meetings and chats.

• Project Manager Agent: Creates project plans and completes tasks in Microsoft Planner.

Microsoft has partnered with companies like ServiceNow and Workday, as well as introduced connectors for S&P Global and CB Insights, to integrate more business-critical data into Copilot workflows.

IT Empowerment with the Copilot Control System

To support IT teams in managing Copilot’s deployment and ensuring data security, Microsoft announced the Copilot Control System, which includes:

• Data Protection: Intelligent grounding ensures enterprise data remains secure, with advanced governance for SharePoint included at no extra cost. Generally available in early 2025.

• Management Controls: IT teams can govern access to Copilot features, monitor agent usage, and automate administrative tasks through Microsoft 365 admin centers. Generally available in early 2025.

• Analytics and Reporting: Microsoft Viva Insights now offers Copilot Analytics, allowing IT leaders to measure adoption, track ROI, and evaluate Copilot’s business impact against key performance indicators at no extra charge. The Copilot Business Impact Report is in public preview; Copilot Analytics generally available in early 2025.

Innovations for Windows and Microsoft Places

Microsoft is also bringing AI innovations to Windows and Microsoft Places:

• Windows Resiliency Initiative: Introduces Quick Machine Recovery to help recover PCs from disruptions, even when they won’t boot. Launching in early 2025.

• Windows 365 Link: A purpose-built Cloud PC device offering secure and seamless access to the Microsoft Cloud. Public preview now, with general availability in April 2025 for $349.

• Microsoft Places: Copilot provides AI-powered location insights in Teams and Outlook, recommending optimal in-office days for face-to-face collaboration. This is generally available today.

What This Means

Microsoft’s latest updates to Copilot showcase its commitment to creating AI tools that enhance productivity, streamline business processes, and empower IT teams. By introducing intelligent agents and robust IT management capabilities, the company is addressing the diverse needs of modern organizations.

These advancements position Microsoft 365 Copilot as a cornerstone of the digital workplace, enabling businesses to work smarter, faster, and more securely in an increasingly competitive environment.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.