Microsoft is testing new ways to bring OpenClaw-style features into its Microsoft 365 Copilot, with a clear focus on enterprise users and stronger security controls.
The company confirmed that these features are being developed to address concerns around the open source OpenClaw agent, which many see as powerful but risky in business environments.
OpenClaw runs locally on a user’s computer and can create agents that handle tasks on behalf of the user. If Microsoft builds something similar, it would add to a growing list of agent-driven tools the company has introduced in recent months as it pushes deeper into automation.
In March, Microsoft introduced Copilot Cowork, a feature designed to take direct actions inside Microsoft 365 apps rather than just offering suggestions or chat responses. It runs on a system called Work IQ, which personalizes how the tool works across different apps. Microsoft has also partnered with Anthropic to integrate its Claude model into Cowork, giving users another AI option that is already popular among OpenClaw users. Unlike OpenClaw, however, Cowork operates in the cloud instead of running locally.
Earlier in February, the company also launched Copilot Tasks in preview. This agent is built to complete tasks automatically and seems aimed at a broader audience, handling everything from organizing emails to managing travel plans and schedules. Like Cowork, it also runs in the cloud.
The new system Microsoft is exploring could go further by creating a version of Copilot that is always active, capable of taking actions at any time and handling multi-step tasks over longer periods. It is still unclear whether this agent will run locally like OpenClaw or if it will remain cloud-based while adopting similar features.
OpenClaw has gained traction among users who run it on their own machines, especially on Mac Mini devices, which have become popular due to their affordability and performance. Along with improving security, this growing interest may be one of the reasons Microsoft is working on its own version.
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More details are expected soon, with reports suggesting Microsoft could showcase this new agent or an upgraded version of its existing tools at the Build conference in June.
