Microsoft is working on yet another OpenClaw-like agent

Microsoft is testing ways to integrate OpenClaw-like features into its existing Microsoft 365 Copilot tool. The new features, which the company confirmed to The Information, would be geared towards enterprise customers, with better security controls than the famously risky open source OpenClaw agent. OpenClaw is a tool that runs locally on a user’s computer and can create agents to perform tasks on behalf of the person. If Microsoft does come up with its own version of a Claw — meaning an agent that runs locally — the effort would join a number of other agentic tools the company has announced in the past few months. In March, for instance, Microsoft announced Copilot Cowork, which is designed to take actions in M365 apps, not just provide search results or chat in a separate work pane. Cowork is powered by its own “WorkIQ” technology, an intelligence layer that tries to personalize Cowork for the user across Microsoft 365 apps. Microsoft has also tapped Anthropic Claude’s to power Cowork, after it partnered with the AI lab late last year. Microsoft added Claude as an option available for Cowork. (While OpenClaw can work with multiple models, Claude remains the model of choice for many users of the open source project.) However, Cowork doesn’t run on the local hardware; it runs in the cloud. In February, Microsoft also introduced Copilot Tasks, another agent designed to complete tasks, which was released at the time in preview. The marketing materials made this agent sound like it was geared more towards prosumers than enterprises, with tasks it should be allowed to handle ranging from organizing email (a M365-like task) to organizing travel and appointments (tasks outside Microsoft’s Office suite of apps). This, however, also runs in the cloud. It’s not clear yet whether this Claw would be local or if it would simply adopt some of the other features that OpenClaw advocates love. Microsoft did tell the Information that one of the main features of the agent is that it would essentially be a version of 365 Copilot that is always working, able to take actions at any time. The idea is an agent that can complete multi-step tasks over long periods. While the open source project OpenClaw can run on Windows machines, the Mac Mini has been the go-to platform for OpenClaw users. So much so, that the small, affordable, cube-shaped Mac Mini desktops have suddenly been selling like hotcakes. So, beyond security, Microsoft may have a number of motivations for wanting its own version. Techcrunch event Meet your next investor or portfolio startup at Disrupt Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders gather for three days of 250+ tactical sessions, powerful introductions, and market-defining innovation. Register now to save up to $410. Meet your next investor or portfolio startup at Disrupt Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders gather for three days of 250+ tactical sessions, powerful introductions, and market-defining innovation. Register now to save up to $410. San Francisco, CA | October 13-15, 2026 REGISTER NOW The company is expected to show off this new Claw (or an upgraded version of one of its existing Claw-like tools) at its 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 when we receive comment. Topics AI, ai agent, Copilot, Enterprise, Microsoft, openclaw, TC Julie Bort Venture Editor Julie Bort is the Startups/Venture Desk editor for TechCrunch. You can contact or verify outreach from Julie by emailing julie.bort@techcrunch.com or via @Julie188 on X.

View Bio April 30 San Francisco, CA StrictlyVC kicks off the year in SF. Get in the room for unfiltered fireside chats with industry leaders, insider VC insights, and high-value connections that actually move the needle. Tickets are limited. REGISTER NOW Most Popular Sam Altman responds to ‘incendiary’ New Yorker article after attack on his home Anthony Ha France to ditch Windows for Linux to reduce reliance on US tech Zack Whittaker YouTube Premium and YouTube Music are getting more expensive Aisha Malik This founder helped build SpaceX’s most powerful rocket engine. Now he’s building a ‘fighter jet for orbit.’ Tim Fernholz Developer of VeraCrypt encryption software says Windows users may face boot-up issues after Microsoft locked his account Zack Whittaker Apple’s foldable iPhone is on track to launch in September, report says Aisha Malik AI startup Rocket offers vibe McKinsey-style reports at a fraction of the cost Jagmeet Singh