Microsoft launches Copilot Cowork globally, costs 30-40% less than rivals

Microsoft has launched Copilot Cowork globally, an AI agent designed for business environments that handles complex, multi-step tasks automatically. Users set a goal, and the system completes it end-to-end, even if the laptop is shut down.

During a 3-month preview, over half of Fortune 500 companies, including Accenture and Zurich Insurance, tested the product. Microsoft says Copilot Cowork costs 30-40% less per prompt than competitors like Claude Cowork, thanks to cloud execution, native integration with Work IQ, and enterprise security.

The service is usage-based, charged in Copilot Credits, covering model use, context retrieval, tool calls, and runtime. Tasks are categorized as light, medium, or heavy to match different user needs.