Microsoft has added a new feature to Copilot Studio called computer use. It lets Copilot agents work with websites and desktop apps just like a human. They can click buttons, open menus, and type into forms even if there’s no API. It’s like giving your Copilot a mouse and keyboard to get things done on screen.

What Makes Computer Use Special?

This feature is built to mimic human interactions with any system that has a graphical interface. So even if there’s no API or formal connection to the system, agents can still get the job done. And it’s not just a one-time trick, these agents are smart. They can adapt in real time to changes in the UI. If a button moves or a layout changes, the agent adjusts automatically, using built-in reasoning to keep things running smoothly.

It also runs securely on Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure, so companies don’t need to manage their own servers. Data stays within Microsoft Cloud boundaries, ensuring that enterprise information is protected and not used for training AI models like the Frontier model.

How does It Help Businesses?

By enabling agents to operate like human users, Copilot Studio opens the door to a whole new level of automation. Here are a few practical ways businesses can benefit:

• Automated Data Entry: If a company needs to input large amounts of information into a system that doesn’t support API integration, agents can now handle that task with ease.
• Market Research: Teams can automate the process of collecting information from websites, saving hours of manual work while still getting valuable insights.
• Invoice Processing: Finance teams can use agents to extract data from invoices and input it directly into accounting systems, cutting down on errors and freeing up employee time.

These are just a few examples. The real power lies in how broadly this can be applied across departments, industries, and use cases.

Rethinking Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Traditional RPA solutions often struggle with fragile interfaces. A small change in a button's location can break the entire workflow. But Copilot Studio’s computer use changes the game. It’s more resilient, intelligent, and intuitive.

Agents can now respond in real time when something changes on the screen. There’s no need to write complex code, just describe what you want the agent to do in plain language. You can test and tweak your instructions with a live, side-by-side view that shows what the agent is planning and how it’s thinking through each step.

Plus, you’ll get full visibility into what’s happening. Every action taken by the agent is recorded, with screenshots and reasoning steps included. This helps ensure transparency and makes troubleshooting simple if something doesn’t go as expected.

Built for the Future

With computer use, Copilot Studio is evolving into a true end-to-end agent platform. It’s not just about automation, it’s about building smarter, more adaptable tools that help organizations work better.

Whether your team wants to speed up internal workflows, reduce manual data entry, or bring automation to systems that were previously out of reach, this new capability is designed to deliver real value.

If you're curious and want to try it out, Microsoft is offering early access as part of a research preview. Interested users can sign up to explore what’s possible and help shape the future of this powerful tool.