# Microsoft expands Copilot access to local files and OS actions

> At the Windows and Surface event on Oct 7 2026, Microsoft announced that Copilot will be able to read files on your PC and perform tasks across Windows.

Oossa · 2026-10-07 · https://oossa.com/en/microsoft-expands-copilot-access-to-local-files-and-os-actions

Microsoft unveiled a new version of its Copilot AI at the Windows and Surface event on Oct 7 2026. The upgrade lets Copilot read files stored on the computer and act on them, such as moving, renaming or opening documents. The company calls the approach “Hybrid Intelligence,” meaning the AI will use both local models on the device and cloud services to get the job done. In the demo, Copilot was asked to pull information from an email about taxes and prepare a reply for the user’s accountant.

## How Hybrid Intelligence works

Hybrid Intelligence combines on‑device processing, which is fast and keeps data private, with cloud‑based models that have more computing power. By letting the AI run part of the work locally, Microsoft says tasks can be completed more quickly and with less internet bandwidth. The cloud side still handles the heavy‑lifting, like language understanding and generating longer text.

## The facts

- The announcement was made at Microsoft’s Windows and Surface event on Oct 7 2026.
- Copilot will now have permission to read local files on a Windows PC.
- The AI can perform actions across the operating system, such as opening or moving files.
- Microsoft labels the new approach “Hybrid Intelligence,” mixing local and cloud AI models.

## Why it matters

For everyday Windows users, Copilot will be able to help with routine chores like finding a document, drafting a reply, or organizing files without you typing every command. The mix of local and cloud processing may keep some data on your device, but it also means the AI can act faster than a purely cloud‑based service. It remains unclear how privacy controls will work or how users will enable or disable this deeper access.

## Sources & references

1. [Microsoft is giving Copilot more control over Windows and your files](https://www.theverge.com/tech/1007113/microsoft-windows-copilot-ai-control-search-hybrid-intelligence) – The Verge, 2026-10-07
2. [Everything announced at Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Ultra event](https://www.theverge.com/tech/1007147/microsoft-surface-laptop-ultra-windows-event-everything-announced) – The Verge, 2026-10-07

Last updated: 2026-10-07