Microsoft has introduced a redesigned Copilot desktop application that consolidates several previously separate AI experiences into a unified interface. The new app organizes functionality into three primary tabs: Home, Code, and Autopilot. This shift aims to streamline how enterprise users interact with AI by centralizing chat, document creation, and agentic workflows within a single workspace.
The Home tab serves as the central hub, combining standard chat capabilities with the Cowork feature. Cowork is designed to handle multi-step tasks autonomously, such as generating RFP responses, preparing financial close packages, or creating launch kits. Additionally, the Home tab integrates Office features, allowing users to draft and edit Word documents, Excel workbooks, and PowerPoint presentations directly within the Copilot interface. Changes made here remain synchronized with the standalone Office applications.
The Code tab incorporates technology from GitHub Copilot, enabling users to build custom solutions using natural language. This feature allows non-developers to create internal apps, dashboards, and trackers that run in a sandboxed environment. These solutions are hosted within the company's Microsoft 365 tenant, and the platform includes a new Managed Runtime to ensure these tools operate securely while remaining accessible to team members.
Autopilot, formerly referred to as Scout, functions as a persistent, cloud-hosted digital agent. Unlike standard chat-based AI, Autopilot is designed to operate independently to manage recurring tasks, such as coordinating supplier review processes, scheduling meetings, and following up with stakeholders. Because it is cloud-hosted, the agent can continue working on assigned projects without requiring constant user monitoring or active prompts.
Microsoft plans to roll out the Home and Code tabs to organizations enrolled in its Frontier program over the coming weeks. The Autopilot feature is scheduled to enter private preview at the end of the month. To support these new capabilities, the company is also adjusting its billing structure, moving toward usage-based pricing for Cowork, Code, and Autopilot, while maintaining subscription-based licensing for standard Copilot chat functions.