Microsoft Introduces Copilot Cowork
Credit: Microsoft
Microsoft announced the launch of Copilot Cowork, a new AI-powered cloud solution integrated into the Microsoft 365 suite. Developed in partnership with Anthropic, the product leverages the technologies behind Claude Cowork. The announcement took place during the presentation of the third wave of Microsoft 365 Copilot updates (Wave 3).
Jared Spataro, head of AI-at-Work at Microsoft, told Reuters that the key difference between Copilot Cowork and Claude Cowork is their approach to data processing. Copilot operates exclusively in the cloud and operates on behalf of the user, allowing them to control what information the AI agent can access. Claude Cowork, by contrast, operates exclusively on-device, and, according to Spataro, most companies feel “very uneasy” about its security.
In addition to the launch of Copilot Cowork, Microsoft has opened access to the latest Claude Sonnet models for M365 Copilot users, diversifying its technology stack. Previously, the service relied exclusively on OpenAI’s GPT models, Reuters reports.
Copilot Cowork is currently in Research Preview with a limited number of customers. Expanded access will be available through the Frontier program at the end of March 2026.
The release of Copilot Cowork confirms the deepening of the technology partnership between Microsoft and Anthropic. Claude models are now available in Copilot Chat for Frontier program participants, along with OpenAI models.
