Microsoft Copilot Cowork: Powerful, but Watch the Costs
Microsoft has introduced Copilot Cowork, a new feature within Copilot that can do more than simply answer questions or draft content.
Cowork is an AI agent that designed to carry out work on your behalf by planning and completing tasks across your Microsoft 365 environment.
While this can deliver significant productivity benefits, it is important to understand that Copilot Cowork uses a consumption-based billing model, meaning costs can increase based on how much work it performs.
Examples of what Cowork can do include:
- Drafting and sending emails
- Scheduling and managing meetings
- Creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
- Posting updates in Teams
- Researching information across your organisation
- Organising files and preparing summaries or reports
Unlike traditional Copilot interactions, Cowork is intended to take action and execute tasks, while keeping you involved through approvals and progress updates.
Who Can Use It?
Copilot Cowork is available to organisations using Microsoft 365 Copilot and must be enabled by administrators before users can access it.
Organisations can control who can use the feature and how it is governed.
Understanding the Cost
This is the most important point for organisations to be aware of.
While your Microsoft 365 Copilot licence covers many core Copilot capabilities, Copilot Cowork uses a consumption-based billing model. Usage is measured using Copilot Credits, with costs based on the amount of work Cowork performs.
The number of credits consumed depends on factors such as:
- The complexity of the request
- The AI model being used
- The volume of organisational data accessed
- The number of actions performed
- How long the task runs
As a result, costs can accumulate over time, particularly if users are running multiple jobs, performing extensive research, generating large volumes of content, or using Cowork frequently across the organisation.
Our Advice
Copilot Cowork is a powerful productivity tool and may provide significant value when used appropriately. However, because it is usage-based, organisations should understand how it works before enabling widespread adoption.
If you’re not sure whether a task could incur additional costs, stop and contact GZD first.
We can help you:
- Understand the licensing and billing model
- Estimate likely usage and costs
- Configure controls and governance settings
- Avoid unexpected charges
We’re happy to help you get the benefits of AI while maintaining visibility and control over your Microsoft costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Microsoft Copilot Cowork?
Microsoft Copilot Cowork is an AI-powered agent that can perform tasks on your behalf within Microsoft 365. Rather than simply providing suggestions, it can help execute work such as creating documents, managing meetings, sending emails, and researching information.
Is Copilot Cowork included with my Microsoft 365 Copilot licence?
Not entirely. While a Microsoft 365 Copilot licence is required, Copilot Cowork uses a consumption-based billing model. Usage is measured in Copilot Credits and may incur additional costs depending on how it is used.
How are Copilot Cowork costs calculated?
Costs are based on Copilot Credit consumption. Factors that influence usage include the complexity of the task, the amount of organisational data accessed, the AI model used, the number of actions performed, and how long the task runs.
Can Copilot Cowork send emails and create documents automatically?
Yes. Copilot Cowork can draft and send emails, create documents, presentations and spreadsheets, schedule meetings, organise files, and perform other tasks across Microsoft 365, subject to organisational policies and approvals.
Can organisations control who uses Copilot Cowork?
Yes. Administrators can control access to Copilot Cowork, configure governance settings, and monitor usage to help manage costs and ensure compliance with organisational policies.
How can I avoid unexpected Copilot Cowork charges?
Monitor usage regularly, understand how Copilot Credits are consumed, and establish governance policies before enabling widespread adoption. If you’re unsure about the potential cost of a task, contact GZD for guidance before proceeding.
Should my organisation use Copilot Cowork?
For many organisations, Copilot Cowork can deliver significant productivity benefits. However, understanding the licensing, billing model, and expected usage is essential to ensure you maximise value while maintaining control over costs.
