GitHub Copilot computer use: public preview on macOS and Windows

GitHub’s Changelog for October 1, 2026 says computer use is available in public preview in GitHub Copilot CLI and the GitHub Copilot app on macOS and Windows (Changelog).

That means Copilot can act on local desktop apps on your machine—not a phone-to-cloud remote computer session. Preview status can change; treat this as early access, not a finished generally available product.

What Copilot can do (as GitHub lists)

On your behalf, Copilot can read accessible app content and visual context, click controls, enter and edit text, press keys, scroll, drag, and move across multi-app workflows—including legacy and GUI-only software that has no API, CLI, or MCP (Changelog).

GitHub names macOS and Windows only. Do not assume Linux support from this announce.

You stay in control

Copilot asks for approval before controlling an app, and you can review or reset apps you marked always allow. On macOS, computer use guides you through required Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions. Organization-managed settings can disable the feature—this write-up does not invent whether orgs start on or off (Changelog).

How to turn it on

• Copilot CLI: /computer on to enable, /computer show for status, /computer off to disable.
• Copilot app: Settings → Computer Use → turn on Enable Computer Use (the app also accepts /computer on).

Not remote cloud control

This is local Copilot CLI / Copilot app control of apps on your Mac or Windows desktop. It is not a Manus-style remote or cloud computer you drive from another device.

The Changelog includes a marketing demo of an expense-report flow in Safari—treat that as an illustrative clip, not a verified capability matrix for Safari or expense software.

Who should care

Developers on macOS or Windows who want Copilot to drive GUI-only or multi-app desktop workflows should start at the Oct 1 Changelog—keep public preview, check org policy, and use approval / always-allow review before handing Copilot the mouse.