Microsoft Copilot Cowork is Now Available to Windows Users

Microsoft has introduced early access to Copilot Cowork through its Frontier program, alongside new updates to its Researcher feature aimed at improving planning, analysis, and decision-making workflows.

Copilot Cowork Targets Multi-Step Work Tasks

Copilot Cowork is an agent-based AI system designed to handle complex, multi-step tasks within Microsoft 365. The tool allows users to define a desired outcome, after which it creates a structured plan and executes the task while displaying progress in real time.

Users can intervene at any stage to adjust or redirect the process. The system supports both one-time tasks and recurring workflows, such as monthly budget reviews, and operates across documents and work environments, similar to a digital collaborator.

The feature is based on Claude Cowork, developed by Anthropic.

Researcher Tool Gains Critique Feature

Microsoft has also introduced a new Critique feature within its Researcher tool. This setup uses two AI models working on the same task.

GPT generates the initial response, while Claude reviews the output for accuracy and quality before it is delivered to the user.

According to Reuters, Microsoft plans to expand this system into a two-way process, where GPT could also review Claude-generated responses in the future.

Microsoft reported that the Critique feature improved the Researcher tool’s performance by 13.8% on the DRACO benchmark, which measures deep research accuracy and quality.

Model Council Enables Side-by-Side AI Comparisons

Another addition to the Researcher tool is Model Council. This feature allows users to generate responses from multiple AI models and compare them side by side.

It highlights differences, similarities, and unique contributions from each model, giving users more transparency and control over AI-generated outputs.

Part of Microsoft 365 Copilot Wave 3

Microsoft stated that these updates are part of Wave 3 of Microsoft 365 Copilot. The initiative focuses on shifting AI from a tool used for assistance to one that can actively perform work tasks on behalf of users.