News / AI & Data
Microsoft Copilot becomes an autonomous task execution platform integrated with Microsoft 365 Published on 28 September 2026 by Christ-loisele (2 min read)
Microsoft announced on September 25, 2026, a major overhaul of Copilot, transforming the tool into a platform capable of executing complex tasks autonomously. The new features, Home, Code, and Autopilot, aim to automate business and technical processes, with rollouts beginning in the coming weeks.
A redesign focused on autonomy and integration
Microsoft officially announced on September 25, 2026, a radical evolution of Copilot, turning it into a unified platform capable of executing tasks autonomously within Microsoft 365. According to ZDNet France , this transformation is based on three new features: Home , Code , and Autopilot . These modules aim to cover the entire work cycle, from daily management to the automation of complex processes.
Autopilot could become the ideal digital partner for teams in Benin and West Africa, automating business processes while remaining under user control.
Illustration: Lawing Tech
Home: a centralized entry point for users
The Home feature merges the Chat (for simple requests) and Cowork (for complex tasks) interfaces into a single space, as Microsoft explains in its official blog . Copilot automatically analyzes the user’s request and directs them to the appropriate module, without requiring manual selection between tools. This approach simplifies access to features for employees, regardless of their technical level.
Code: application creation without programming skills
Code , available in preview for Microsoft 365 Premium and Pro subscribers by the end of the year, allows users to generate applications (widgets, dashboards, or cloud solutions) through natural language instructions. According to ZDNet France , the generated code runs in an isolated and secure environment via Copilot Managed Runtime , compatible with Microsoft 365. This feature leverages the same technologies as GitHub Copilot , but extends its use to non-developers.
Autopilot: a persistent and proactive AI agent
Autopilot , previously named Scout , represents a major advancement: it is an AI agent capable of working continuously, even outside direct interactions with the user. As Microsoft illustrates, Autopilot can schedule calendars, organize meetings, track tasks, and monitor their progress, all while accessing the company’s data and communication channels. Its private version deployment will begin in the coming weeks, according to ZDNet France .
What this changes here
For businesses and government agencies in Benin and West Africa, this evolution of Copilot could reduce reliance on highly specialized technical skills by automating repetitive or complex tasks. For example, financial services could use Code to develop internal management tools without relying on external developers, while project teams would gain efficiency with Autopilot for tracking schedules or cross-department coordination.
Native integration with Microsoft 365 would also ease adoption in environments where office suites are already in place, provided local infrastructure meets the requirements of Copilot Managed Runtime . Organizations should, however, assess the costs of extending Premium or Pro licenses, as well as data governance issues, especially for agents like Autopilot accessing internal systems.
Sources