Microsoft Copilot is receiving a significant upgrade this autumn, focusing on enhancing collaboration, improving memory capabilities, and introducing customizable avatar features. These updates aim to make the AI assistant more human-centered and integrated across Microsoft's ecosystem.
One of the most notable additions is the "Groups" feature, which allows up to 32 users to collaborate in real-time within a shared AI session. This transforms Copilot from an individual tool into a collaboration platform. Participants can brainstorm, co-author documents, assign tasks, and receive AI-generated summaries and suggestions. Copilot helps to summarize discussions, propose options, count votes, and split tasks, ensuring everyone stays aligned. To initiate a session, users can send a link, enabling anyone to join and view the conversation. Microsoft sees this functionality as a way to measure AI's social intelligence and its ability to enhance group chats and encourage creativity.
The update also brings expanded memory capabilities to Copilot. The "Memory & Personalization" feature allows Copilot to remember user preferences, ongoing tasks, and other key details across sessions. Users can ask Copilot to retain information such as upcoming events, personal goals, or preferred writing styles. This reduces the need to repeat information and allows Copilot to tailor its responses to the user's unique needs. Users have full control over what is remembered and can review, edit, or delete stored data at any time. Microsoft emphasizes that transparency and control are built into the experience, with a "memory updated" signal appearing when Copilot remembers something new.
Microsoft is also introducing a customizable visual companion named Mico. Mico is an optional animated avatar that gives Copilot a visual presence. Mico responds to voice interactions and changes its appearance with colors and animations, creating a more natural and engaging conversation experience. Microsoft says Mico's emotional responses aim to build trust and make users feel understood. While Mico is the default avatar for regular Copilot users, those with a Copilot Pro subscription can access Copilot Portraits, which offers 40 different stylized avatars based on human appearances.
These updates extend Copilot's integration across Microsoft's services. In Windows 11, users can launch Copilot with a wake word ("Hey Copilot") and resume previous tasks via a new home interface. In Edge, Copilot can summarize open tabs, fill out forms, compare information, and complete tasks such as hotel bookings. The "Copilot Mode" in Edge is evolving into a dynamic AI browser that can analyze open tabs and perform actions with user permission. A "Journeys" feature organizes browsing history into thematic storylines for easier reference.
Copilot can now integrate with external services such as OneDrive, Outlook, Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Calendar. The "Connectors" feature brings content from these services within reach, allowing Copilot to search documents, emails, and calendars using natural language. Microsoft requires explicit consent before data becomes accessible, ensuring privacy remains central.
Microsoft is also introducing different conversation styles, such as "Real Talk," designed to challenge assumptions and steer conversations toward growth and connection. The AI remains respectful but will push back when necessary. Copilot is also gaining specialized support for health and education. Copilot for Health provides answers grounded in credible sources like Harvard Health and helps users find doctors based on specialty and location. Learn Live turns Copilot into a voice-based interactive tutor that uses visuals and whiteboard-style explanations to help students learn.
According to Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, the Copilot Fall Release represents a step forward in delivering AI that is in service of people. The company aims to shift the focus away from the automation of human work and toward the amplification of human potential.
