Overview
The Cloud PC Pool feature in Microsoft Copilot Studio (preview) introduces a transformative way to run “computer use” agents on virtual machines (VMs) hosted in Microsoft’s cloud. These agents simulate human interaction with desktop and web applications—clicking, typing, navigating—without relying on APIs or local devices.
This capability is powered by Windows 365 for Agents, enabling organizations to automate legacy systems, proprietary tools, and hybrid workflows with full governance and compliance.
🔧 What Is a Cloud PC Pool?
A Cloud PC pool is a scalable group of Microsoft Entra-joined and Intune-enrolled virtual machines. These VMs are centrally managed and provisioned to run UI automation tasks triggered by Copilot Studio agents.
Key Features:
- No local machine required: Agents run on cloud-hosted VMs.
- Auto-scaling: Pools dynamically adjust based on workload.
- Work/school account integration: Access Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Azure resources.
- Governance: Entra + Intune ensure compliance and policy enforcement.
🧠 How It Works
Agents initiate a remote desktop session (RDP) on a Cloud PC using a Microsoft Entra ID. The session mimics human behavior to perform tasks like:
- Filling forms
- Navigating legacy UIs
- Extracting data from desktop apps
- Uploading files to cloud systems
Admins configure access, monitor usage, and manage pools via the Power Platform admin center and Power Automate portal.
🛠️ Setup Requirements
Licensing:
- Pay-as-you-go billing via Azure meters.
- No need for separate Windows or Power Automate licenses.
- Trial support: Up to 2 Cloud PC pools per tenant, with 50 free hours for autonomous agent runs.
Prerequisites:
- Valid Microsoft Entra and Intune tenants.
- Entra authentication for RDP (or fallback to disabling NLA).
- Service principals for Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop.
Provisioning Steps:
- Go to the Machines section in Copilot Studio.
- Select Add new under Cloud PC pool.
- Enter name, description, and access settings.
- Click Create (provisioning may take up to 30 minutes).
🔐 Access Control and Monitoring
- Manage access: Assign users as Co-owners (full control) or Users (run-only).
- Monitor run queue: View queued sessions and events.
- Delete machines: Remove unused Cloud PCs via Power Automate portal.
- Admin controls: Enable/disable Cloud PC pool per environment.
⚠️ Limitations and Known Issues
- Only Microsoft Entra accounts can execute computer use.
- Must match the signed-in user with the computer use connection owner.
- Cross-geo support must be enabled for tenants outside default regions.
- Max: 5 Cloud PC pools per environment, each scaling to 10 Cloud PCs.
🌍 Use Cases
| Scenario | Description |
|---|---|
| Legacy ERP Automation | Automate SAP GUI or other desktop-based ERP tasks. |
| HR Onboarding | Fill forms across government and payroll portals. |
| Finance Reconciliation | Extract and upload data from desktop accounting tools. |
| Customer Support | Retrieve/update cases from legacy ticketing systems. |
🧩 Integration with Power Platform
- Trigger agents from Power Automate flows, Copilot conversations, or external APIs.
- Embed UI automation into broader workflows with fallback logic and audit trails.
Conclusion
The Cloud PC Pool feature in Copilot Studio unlocks human-like automation at scale, bridging the gap between conversational agents and real-world desktop interactions. With centralized governance, auto-scaling, and API-free execution, it’s a strategic asset for enterprises navigating hybrid, legacy, and compliance-heavy environments.
Explore the official setup guide on Microsoft Learn.
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