Microsoft is testing ways to integrate features like OpenClaw into existing Microsoft 365 Copilot tools. The company confirmed to The Information that the new feature is aimed at enterprise customers and has better security controls than the notoriously risky open-source OpenClaw agent.
OpenClaw is a tool that runs locally on your computer and allows you to create agents that perform tasks on your behalf. If Microsoft develops its own version of Claw (meaning an agent that runs locally), its efforts would join a number of other agent tools the company has announced over the past few months.
For example, in March, Microsoft announced Copilot Cowork, which is designed to deliver search results and chat in a separate work pane as well as take actions within Microsoft 365 apps. Cowork is powered by our unique “Work IQ” technology, a layer of intelligence that attempts to personalize Cowork for you across Microsoft 365 apps.
Microsoft also hired Anthropic’s Claude to power Cowork after partnering with AI Labs late last year. Microsoft has added Claude as an option available in Cowork. (OpenClaw works with multiple models, but Claude remains the model of choice for many users of open source projects.) However, Cowork does not run on local hardware. Runs in the cloud.
In February, Microsoft also introduced Copilot Tasks, another agent designed to complete tasks. This was released as a preview at the time. According to marketing materials, the agent is aimed more at pro-consumers than businesses, and can handle a wide range of tasks, from organizing emails (a task similar to Microsoft 365) to organizing travel and appointments (tasks outside of Microsoft’s Office app suite). However, this also runs in the cloud.
It’s not yet clear whether this Claw will be local or simply adopt some of the other features that OpenClaw supporters like. Microsoft told The Information that one of the main features of the agent is that it will essentially be a version of 365 Copilot that is always on and ready to take action. The idea is an agent that can complete multi-step tasks over long periods of time.
Although the open source project OpenClaw can run on Windows machines, the Mac Mini has been the go-to platform for OpenClaw users. That’s why the small, affordable cubic Mac Mini desktop is suddenly selling like hotcakes. So, beyond security, there may be several motivations for Microsoft to pursue its own version.
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The company plans to show off the new Claw (or an upgraded version of one of its existing Claw-like tools) at the Microsoft Build conference in June, The Verge reports.
We’ve asked Microsoft how the new Claw agent fits in with these other agents and will update the story as we receive comments.
