Microsoft unveiled a revamped Copilot on September 25, 2026, moving beyond standard conversational chatbots to incorporate autonomous task-executing agents. The overhaul integrates chat with work delegation and embeds Office applications directly into the conversation interface to assist with day-to-day work. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella described the new Copilot as a “new operating system for work.”
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft unveiled a new Copilot featuring task-executing autonomous agents on September 25, 2026.
- Reorganized into three core tools: Home (embedded Office), Code (app creation), and Autopilot (24/7 autonomous agent).
- Standard features will use a monthly subscription, while autonomous agents and advanced models will use pay-as-you-go pricing.
- Exact pricing rates and free-tier details have not yet been disclosed.
Rebuilt Around Three Core Tools: Home, Code, and Autopilot
The new Copilot has been restructured around three main tools: Home, Code, and Autopilot.
‘Home’ unifies the previously separate chatbot and the work delegation tool ‘Cowork’ into one interface. Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are embedded directly in the chat window, enabling users to edit documents and work within Copilot itself.
‘Code’ leverages GitHub Copilot technology. It allows non-technical office workers without programming experience to build custom applications or dashboards using natural language instructions.
‘Autopilot’, rebranded from ‘Scout’, is an autonomous personal agent. Once assigned a name and a role, it carries out tasks 24/7 without requiring ongoing commands.
| Tool | Key Features & Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Home | Combines chat and Cowork; enables in-chat editing across Office apps (Word, Excel, PPT) |
| Code | Enables non-developers to build custom apps and dashboards using natural language |
| Autopilot | Autonomous agent operating 24/7 once assigned a name and role |
Hybrid Subscription and Usage-Based Pricing
Microsoft plans to implement a hybrid pricing model that combines monthly subscriptions with usage-based billing for the new Copilot.
Routine conversational chat and basic Office features will be covered by a monthly subscription fee. In contrast, running autonomous agents and accessing advanced AI models will be billed under a pay-as-you-go model based on actual usage.
Microsoft will roll out ‘Code’ and ‘Autopilot’ in phases to early access users before broadening availability.
Details on Pricing Rates and Scope of Support
Specific pricing tiers, per-unit billing rates, and the names of the underlying frontier AI models were not disclosed in the announcement.
Details regarding whether a free tier will be available, as well as its specific features and usage limits, also remain unconfirmed.
Additionally, media speculation that Microsoft accelerated the launch timeline in response to Meta’s AI agent announcements was not confirmed in Microsoft’s official release.