Microsoft has announced a major update for Windows 11, introducing a groundbreaking approach to artificial intelligence. This initiative is referred to as the "agent OS," enabling AI agents to perform tasks, interact with files, and manage system components on behalf of the user.
According to The Verge, a key feature of the system will be the AI agents located on the Windows 11 taskbar. They can be activated through the Ask Copilot function, operate in the background, and display their status in a compact window. For instance, an agent can search for information, automate routine file operations, or handle tasks within Microsoft 365.
The integration of these agents is optional, allowing users to disable them in the settings if they wish. Microsoft also plans to support AI agents from other companies, utilizing the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to enable agents to interact with system tools via a controlled registry.
AI agents will operate within their own "workspace" - an isolated and controlled environment with separate Windows accounts for each agent, ensuring security and preventing AI errors from affecting the main system.
Additionally, Microsoft is expanding the implementation of Copilot into system applications. In File Explorer, Copilot can summarize a document, answer questions about its content, or prepare a draft email based on a file. On PCs with Copilot Plus, the Click to Do feature transforms any visible table into an Excel document for further processing. Meanwhile, in Word, automatic alt-text generation for images will be introduced, and Outlook will receive AI-generated email summaries.