Microsoft is testing the deployment of always-on AI agents like OpenClaw.

Microsoft is reportedly testing integrating features like OpenClaw into Microsoft 365 and other services in order to evolve its AI assistant Copilot into an always-on agent that completes tasks on behalf of users.

Microsoft 365 will soon have helpers that take actions for you — here's what that means | Windows Central
https://www.windowscentral.com/artificial-intelligence/microsoft-openclaw-will-add-personal-ai-agents-in-microsoft-365

Microsoft Plots New Copilot Features Inspired by OpenClaw — The Information
https://www.theinformation.com/articles/microsoft-plots-new-copilot-features-inspired-openclaw

Microsoft is testing OpenClaw-like AI bots for Copilot | The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/tech/911080/microsoft-ai-openclaw-365-businesses

Microsoft is working on yet another OpenClaw-like agent | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/13/microsoft-is-working-on-yet-another-openclaw-like-agent/

OpenClaw is an open-source platform that allows users to create AI agents that run locally on their devices, and it has rapidly gained popularity since the beginning of 2026.

OpenClaw, a self-hostable personal AI assistant that can perform various operations in conjunction with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS - GIGAZINE

On the other hand, OpenClaw has been criticized for serious security concerns, but Microsoft has expressed confidence that it can implement a more secure version of the tool.

It has been reported that the company plans to implement particularly strict security management features for enterprise customers, and is considering a system that customizes agents for specific roles such as marketing, sales, and accounting, granting them only the necessary permissions.

If a fully operational version of Microsoft 365 Copilot becomes available, it will be able to constantly monitor Outlook inboxes and calendars, and provide daily recommended task lists, among other things. Microsoft is also considering agents specialized for specific roles, exploring ways to restrict permissions for each job function, such as marketing, sales, and accounting, and isolate them from other departments in the business.

While previous tools primarily ran on the cloud, OpenClaw's distinguishing feature is that it runs on local hardware. The inexpensive Mac mini is a popular platform among OpenClaw users, and its sales are rapidly increasing, suggesting that Microsoft has strategic motivations beyond security.

Omar Shaheen, Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, confirmed to media outlets such as Windows Central and The Information that 'we are focused on introducing a new generation of assistants that help users work more effectively and efficiently, and reduce their workload by taking on tasks from start to finish.'

Some of the new agent features reported this time are expected to be unveiled at Microsoft Build , Microsoft's annual developer conference, which will be held from June 2, 2026.