Copilot Tasks can finish background work
Microsoft updated Copilot Tasks so it can autonomously complete background workflows across desktop, mobile and SMS and notify users when done—opening the door to scheduled report refreshes and automated distribution. For FP&A that means recurring Power BI workflows (snapshot exports, variance packs) can run without manual steps and be routed to execs on cadence. (timesnownews.com) (newsbytesapp.com)
Microsoft announced Copilot Tasks as a research preview on Feb. 26, 2026 and opened a public waitlist for early testers. (microsoft.com) The feature executes multi‑step plans inside a cloud‑hosted, contained browser and can run one‑time workflows, execute on a recurring schedule, or stay active until a user‑defined condition is met. (pureinfotech.com) Microsoft built explicit consent checkpoints so the agent asks for approval before spending money or sending messages, and users can review, pause, or cancel tasks while they run. (technobezz.com) Copilot already supports sending reminders to Android and iOS devices, and Copilot Studio documents show agents can deliver proactive Teams messages to notify recipients when a request completes. (business-standard.com) Copilot for Power BI is available across Power BI Desktop and Service, supports prompts up to 10,000 characters, and Microsoft explicitly recommends preparing semantic models and curated data so AI outputs stay accurate. (learn.microsoft.com) Third‑party guides and proof‑of‑concepts demonstrate agentic setups in Microsoft Fabric that tie Copilot/agents to Power BI workflows—examples include automating scheduled snapshot exports, assembling variance packs, and routing exported reports to executives by email or Teams. (gocollectiv.com) The capability is in a limited research preview with a staged rollout and Microsoft has added Copilot readiness and admin controls to the Microsoft 365 admin center to help tenant administrators manage Copilot feature availability. (microsoft.com)
