Copilot Actions: Local task automation on files directly on the device

Published on January 06, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Copilot Actions interface showing a control panel with options for processing local files, automation flow diagrams, and examples of image classification and PDF data extraction in real-time.

Copilot Actions: Local Automation of Tasks on Files Directly on the Device

Microsoft introduces the Copilot Actions preview, a revolutionary feature that allows executing AI tasks directly on local files without needing a cloud connection. This capability ranges from intelligent image classification to advanced data extraction from PDF documents. 🤖

Main User Interface Setup

We begin by designing the central control panel of Copilot Actions, which displays the available automation options and the real-time processing status of local files.

Main Interface Elements:
  • Side panel with action categories: images, documents, data, and custom
  • Central workspace showing local files and processing results
  • Progress bar and status for running automation tasks
Local processing ensures privacy and speed by executing AI tasks directly on the user's device

Representation of the Image Classification Process

We visualize how Copilot Actions analyzes and automatically classifies local image collections based on content, metadata, and visual features.

Visual Classification Flow:
  • Selection of a local folder with images for batch processing
  • Automatic content analysis using local computer vision models
  • Intelligent organization into thematic albums based on object recognition

PDF Data Extraction Automation

The ability to process documents allows extracting structured information from PDF files without the need for additional specialized tools.

Data Extraction Process:
  • Integrated Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for scanned PDFs
  • Automatic identification of tables, forms, and structured elements
  • Export of extracted data to formats like CSV, Excel, or JSON

Visualization of Custom Workflows

Users can create custom automations that combine multiple actions into logical sequences to optimize their specific workflows.

Custom Flow Builder:
  • Drag-and-drop interface to design action sequences
  • Logical conditions and triggers based on file system events
  • Predefined templates for common productivity tasks

Integration with the Local File System

Copilot Actions integrates deeply with the Windows File Explorer, allowing quick access from the context menu and monitoring of specific folders.

System Integration Elements:
  • Copilot Actions options in the right-click context menu
  • Monitoring of designated folders for automatic processing
  • Synchronization with OneDrive for local and cloud files

Impact on Productivity and Privacy

This evolution towards local processing represents a significant shift in how users interact with artificial intelligence. By executing tasks directly on the device, Microsoft not only improves speed and responsiveness but also addresses critical data privacy and security concerns, setting a new standard for productive personal AI. 🔒