Tech Advisory

Technology Advice for Small Businesses

powered by Pronto Marketing

Recent Posts

Mac growth surges as Windows 10 reaches end of support

Editor November 27, 2025

The end of Windows 10 support has triggered one of the largest hardware refresh cycles in years, and businesses are using this moment to rethink their technology choices. With AI-ready performance and long-term value becoming top priorities, Macs are gaining ground and transforming how organizations plan their future fleets.

Strong numbers highlight a defining transition

Many major analyst firms point to the same trend: Mac shipments are outpacing the rest of the PC industry. While the broader market is growing steadily as millions replace outdated systems, Mac sales are expanding at an even faster rate. That difference matters when hundreds of millions of devices worldwide are due for upgrades.

Analysts attribute this surge not only to the retirement of Windows 10 but also to the fact that a large portion of aging PCs cannot run Windows 11. As a result, businesses reevaluating their long-term hardware strategies are more open to considering macOS, especially when their existing systems need to be replaced anyway.

Of course, not every new Mac purchase represents a direct switch from Windows. Some buyers are upgrading older Macs; others may be purchasing a computer for the first time. Still, the momentum is unmistakable. The Mac is experiencing renewed traction, strengthening its position in both consumer and enterprise markets.

The AI era accelerates the device refresh cycle

The transition from Windows 10 isn’t the only force shaping the market. The industry shift toward on-device artificial intelligence has created a second major incentive for users to replace outdated machines. Many older PCs lack the hardware necessary to support advanced local AI processing, making them unsuitable for companies building AI-centric workflows or adopting edge-based computing strategies.

Modern Macs, equipped with Apple Silicon, already deliver the type of on-device performance needed to handle emerging AI workloads. Their architecture provides strong processing power, impressive power efficiency, and robust built-in security — qualities that align with the needs of organizations preparing for an AI-driven future.

As concerns around data sovereignty grow, the demand for AI models running securely on local hardware is growing. Solutions built on Mac systems are already being used to deliver private, edge-based AI without the need for external servers. This trend is expected to gain momentum as businesses look for ways to stay competitive while keeping sensitive data out of third-party cloud environments.

Cost is another factor influencing buying decisions. With many cloud-based AI services facing rising operational expenses, subscription models may become more expensive for end users. Investing in hardware capable of long-term, on-device AI processing can help organizations avoid unpredictable cloud billing while maintaining full control over their data.

Apple Silicon drives performance expectations higher

Since its introduction, Apple Silicon has rewritten expectations for laptop and desktop performance. Macs released within the past several years are capable of running advanced AI tasks at the edge, and the newest generation of chips continues that trend. Early performance benchmarks indicate that the latest Apple processors rival or outperform many desktop-class chips from established competitors. As desktop versions of these processors arrive, the gap between Mac performance and traditional PC hardware may widen even further.

This combination of speed, efficiency, and thermal stability has made Apple Silicon-powered Macs strong candidates for organizations prioritizing both performance and long-term sustainability. The result is a growing perception that Macs are no longer niche devices but fully capable productivity and development machines.

More than a trend — a shift in buyer expectations

The surge in Mac adoption is not simply a temporary reaction to an operating system reaching its end of life. It reflects how quickly user expectations are changing in a world shaped by AI, security concerns, and rising operational costs. Businesses are looking for stable, efficient, and future-ready platforms, and many now see the Mac as meeting those requirements more reliably than in years past.

If you’re evaluating your next steps, we’re here to help. Reach out to our team for all your Windows and Mac needs, from choosing the right devices to supporting your entire environment with confidence.

Why more users are choosing Mac in the AI era

Editor November 27, 2025

A major tech shift is underway. As millions of aging Windows 10 devices approach retirement, Mac adoption is accelerating at a pace that outstrips overall PC growth. Combined with the rising demand for on-device AI performance, the momentum behind Apple’s hardware shows no signs of slowing.

Strong numbers highlight a defining transition

Many major analyst firms point to the same trend: Mac shipments are outpacing the rest of the PC industry. While the broader market is growing steadily as millions replace outdated systems, Mac sales are expanding at an even faster rate. That difference matters when hundreds of millions of devices worldwide are due for upgrades.

Analysts attribute this surge not only to the retirement of Windows 10 but also to the fact that a large portion of aging PCs cannot run Windows 11. As a result, businesses reevaluating their long-term hardware strategies are more open to considering macOS, especially when their existing systems need to be replaced anyway.

Of course, not every new Mac purchase represents a direct switch from Windows. Some buyers are upgrading older Macs; others may be purchasing a computer for the first time. Still, the momentum is unmistakable. The Mac is experiencing renewed traction, strengthening its position in both consumer and enterprise markets.

The AI era accelerates the device refresh cycle

The transition from Windows 10 isn’t the only force shaping the market. The industry shift toward on-device artificial intelligence has created a second major incentive for users to replace outdated machines. Many older PCs lack the hardware necessary to support advanced local AI processing, making them unsuitable for companies building AI-centric workflows or adopting edge-based computing strategies.

Modern Macs, equipped with Apple Silicon, already deliver the type of on-device performance needed to handle emerging AI workloads. Their architecture provides strong processing power, impressive power efficiency, and robust built-in security — qualities that align with the needs of organizations preparing for an AI-driven future.

As concerns around data sovereignty grow, the demand for AI models running securely on local hardware is growing. Solutions built on Mac systems are already being used to deliver private, edge-based AI without the need for external servers. This trend is expected to gain momentum as businesses look for ways to stay competitive while keeping sensitive data out of third-party cloud environments.

Cost is another factor influencing buying decisions. With many cloud-based AI services facing rising operational expenses, subscription models may become more expensive for end users. Investing in hardware capable of long-term, on-device AI processing can help organizations avoid unpredictable cloud billing while maintaining full control over their data.

Apple Silicon drives performance expectations higher

Since its introduction, Apple Silicon has rewritten expectations for laptop and desktop performance. Macs released within the past several years are capable of running advanced AI tasks at the edge, and the newest generation of chips continues that trend. Early performance benchmarks indicate that the latest Apple processors rival or outperform many desktop-class chips from established competitors. As desktop versions of these processors arrive, the gap between Mac performance and traditional PC hardware may widen even further.

This combination of speed, efficiency, and thermal stability has made Apple Silicon-powered Macs strong candidates for organizations prioritizing both performance and long-term sustainability. The result is a growing perception that Macs are no longer niche devices but fully capable productivity and development machines.

More than a trend — a shift in buyer expectations

The surge in Mac adoption is not simply a temporary reaction to an operating system reaching its end of life. It reflects how quickly user expectations are changing in a world shaped by AI, security concerns, and rising operational costs. Businesses are looking for stable, efficient, and future-ready platforms, and many now see the Mac as meeting those requirements more reliably than in years past.

If you’re evaluating your next steps, we’re here to help. Reach out to our team for all your Windows and Mac needs, from choosing the right devices to supporting your entire environment with confidence.

How Windows 10’s sunset is fueling a platform shift

Editor November 27, 2025

Mac sales are climbing faster than the rest of the PC market, and the timing is no coincidence. With Windows 10 support ending and AI-capable hardware becoming essential, more businesses are reevaluating their next devices. This shift is reshaping the competitive landscape, and Apple is emerging as one of the biggest beneficiaries.

Strong numbers highlight a defining transition

Many major analyst firms point to the same trend: Mac shipments are outpacing the rest of the PC industry. While the broader market is growing steadily as millions replace outdated systems, Mac sales are expanding at an even faster rate. That difference matters when hundreds of millions of devices worldwide are due for upgrades.

Analysts attribute this surge not only to the retirement of Windows 10 but also to the fact that a large portion of aging PCs cannot run Windows 11. As a result, businesses reevaluating their long-term hardware strategies are more open to considering macOS, especially when their existing systems need to be replaced anyway.

Of course, not every new Mac purchase represents a direct switch from Windows. Some buyers are upgrading older Macs; others may be purchasing a computer for the first time. Still, the momentum is unmistakable. The Mac is experiencing renewed traction, strengthening its position in both consumer and enterprise markets.

The AI era accelerates the device refresh cycle

The transition from Windows 10 isn’t the only force shaping the market. The industry shift toward on-device artificial intelligence has created a second major incentive for users to replace outdated machines. Many older PCs lack the hardware necessary to support advanced local AI processing, making them unsuitable for companies building AI-centric workflows or adopting edge-based computing strategies.

Modern Macs, equipped with Apple Silicon, already deliver the type of on-device performance needed to handle emerging AI workloads. Their architecture provides strong processing power, impressive power efficiency, and robust built-in security — qualities that align with the needs of organizations preparing for an AI-driven future.

As concerns around data sovereignty grow, the demand for AI models running securely on local hardware is growing. Solutions built on Mac systems are already being used to deliver private, edge-based AI without the need for external servers. This trend is expected to gain momentum as businesses look for ways to stay competitive while keeping sensitive data out of third-party cloud environments.

Cost is another factor influencing buying decisions. With many cloud-based AI services facing rising operational expenses, subscription models may become more expensive for end users. Investing in hardware capable of long-term, on-device AI processing can help organizations avoid unpredictable cloud billing while maintaining full control over their data.

Apple Silicon drives performance expectations higher

Since its introduction, Apple Silicon has rewritten expectations for laptop and desktop performance. Macs released within the past several years are capable of running advanced AI tasks at the edge, and the newest generation of chips continues that trend. Early performance benchmarks indicate that the latest Apple processors rival or outperform many desktop-class chips from established competitors. As desktop versions of these processors arrive, the gap between Mac performance and traditional PC hardware may widen even further.

This combination of speed, efficiency, and thermal stability has made Apple Silicon-powered Macs strong candidates for organizations prioritizing both performance and long-term sustainability. The result is a growing perception that Macs are no longer niche devices but fully capable productivity and development machines.

More than a trend — a shift in buyer expectations

The surge in Mac adoption is not simply a temporary reaction to an operating system reaching its end of life. It reflects how quickly user expectations are changing in a world shaped by AI, security concerns, and rising operational costs. Businesses are looking for stable, efficient, and future-ready platforms, and many now see the Mac as meeting those requirements more reliably than in years past.

If you’re evaluating your next steps, we’re here to help. Reach out to our team for all your Windows and Mac needs, from choosing the right devices to supporting your entire environment with confidence.

Secure and reliable voice calls: Why a VPN for VoIP is a smart move

Editor November 24, 2025

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Zoom offer seamless communication with just a few taps. But they don’t always work as expected, especially on public Wi-Fi and restricted networks. If your calls keep dropping or won’t connect at all, a virtual private network (VPN) could be the missing piece.

Why do VoIP calls get blocked or throttled?

VoIP apps send your voice and video data through the internet, but not all networks treat that data equally. Public Wi-Fi networks in places like hotels, cafes, or airports are often poorly secured, which can expose your call activity to others. Some organizations, including schools and certain types of businesses, intentionally block VoIP traffic to control bandwidth usage. In some parts of the world, even national internet providers restrict access to calling apps entirely.

Even when there are no outright blocks, some internet service providers slow down or deprioritize certain types of traffic, including VoIP, during peak hours. This practice is known as throttling, which can result in laggy conversations or poor audio quality.

How a VPN enhances VoIP calls

A VPN encrypts your internet connection and redirects it through a server located elsewhere. So, when you connect through a VPN, your traffic is shielded from view, and your device appears to be browsing from a different region. For VoIP users, this creates several advantages.

First, it helps bypass local restrictions by making it appear as though you’re connecting from a place where the app is allowed. This is especially helpful when traveling or working in regions with strict internet censorship.

Second, it adds a layer of privacy. Even if your calling app already encrypts the conversation itself, your network provider can still see which app you’re using, who you’re calling, and when. A VPN masks this metadata, making it harder for others to track or interfere with your communication.

Finally, a VPN can reduce issues with throttling. Since your traffic is encrypted, your internet provider can’t easily detect that you’re using VoIP, which makes it less likely they’ll slow down your call connection.

What to look for in a VPN for VoIP

Not all VPNs are built to handle voice and video communication effectively. If you’re in the market for one, be sure to prioritize these essential features:

  • Speed and stability: For smooth calls, you need a fast internet connection without delays.
  • No-logs policy: Choose a provider that doesn’t monitor or store your online activity.
  • Strong encryption: Make sure your data is protected by AES 256-bit or similar standards.
  • Device compatibility: The VPN should work across smartphones, laptops, and routers.
  • Extra features: Tools such as split tunneling or double-hop servers give you more control over how and where your traffic is routed.

The bottom line on VPNs for VoIP

If your business relies on internet-based voice and video calls, a VPN is a smart way to boost reliability, restore access to blocked services, and protect sensitive conversations. But to get the full benefit, it’s essential to properly set up and configure a VoIP with a VPN.

That’s where we come in. Our IT experts will help you choose the right VPN for your needs, configure it across your devices, and make sure your VoIP traffic stays secure, stable, and fully functional. Contact us today to get started.

Make VoIP calls secure and reliable with a VPN

Editor November 24, 2025

Making voice and video calls over the internet should be easy, but it’s not always the case. Some networks block Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps, while others leave your call data exposed. Using a virtual private network (VPN) with VoIP adds a layer of privacy and helps ensure stable, reliable communication, whether you’re managing a hybrid team or just making a quick call from public Wi-Fi.

Why do VoIP calls get blocked or throttled?

VoIP apps send your voice and video data through the internet, but not all networks treat that data equally. Public Wi-Fi networks in places like hotels, cafes, or airports are often poorly secured, which can expose your call activity to others. Some organizations, including schools and certain types of businesses, intentionally block VoIP traffic to control bandwidth usage. In some parts of the world, even national internet providers restrict access to calling apps entirely.

Even when there are no outright blocks, some internet service providers slow down or deprioritize certain types of traffic, including VoIP, during peak hours. This practice is known as throttling, which can result in laggy conversations or poor audio quality.

How a VPN enhances VoIP calls

A VPN encrypts your internet connection and redirects it through a server located elsewhere. So, when you connect through a VPN, your traffic is shielded from view, and your device appears to be browsing from a different region. For VoIP users, this creates several advantages.

First, it helps bypass local restrictions by making it appear as though you’re connecting from a place where the app is allowed. This is especially helpful when traveling or working in regions with strict internet censorship.

Second, it adds a layer of privacy. Even if your calling app already encrypts the conversation itself, your network provider can still see which app you’re using, who you’re calling, and when. A VPN masks this metadata, making it harder for others to track or interfere with your communication.

Finally, a VPN can reduce issues with throttling. Since your traffic is encrypted, your internet provider can’t easily detect that you’re using VoIP, which makes it less likely they’ll slow down your call connection.

What to look for in a VPN for VoIP

Not all VPNs are built to handle voice and video communication effectively. If you’re in the market for one, be sure to prioritize these essential features:

  • Speed and stability: For smooth calls, you need a fast internet connection without delays.
  • No-logs policy: Choose a provider that doesn’t monitor or store your online activity.
  • Strong encryption: Make sure your data is protected by AES 256-bit or similar standards.
  • Device compatibility: The VPN should work across smartphones, laptops, and routers.
  • Extra features: Tools such as split tunneling or double-hop servers give you more control over how and where your traffic is routed.

The bottom line on VPNs for VoIP

If your business relies on internet-based voice and video calls, a VPN is a smart way to boost reliability, restore access to blocked services, and protect sensitive conversations. But to get the full benefit, it’s essential to properly set up and configure a VoIP with a VPN.

That’s where we come in. Our IT experts will help you choose the right VPN for your needs, configure it across your devices, and make sure your VoIP traffic stays secure, stable, and fully functional. Contact us today to get started.

VPNs for VoIP: A simple fix for unreliable or blocked internet calls

Editor November 24, 2025

Dropped calls, blocked apps, or sluggish audio can make any Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) conversation frustrating. These issues often come from network restrictions or internet providers that slow down call traffic. Fortunately, combining VoIP with a virtual private network (VPN) is a simple, effective fix that can help you get around those limits, all while improving privacy.

Why do VoIP calls get blocked or throttled?

VoIP apps send your voice and video data through the internet, but not all networks treat that data equally. Public Wi-Fi networks in places like hotels, cafes, or airports are often poorly secured, which can expose your call activity to others. Some organizations, including schools and certain types of businesses, intentionally block VoIP traffic to control bandwidth usage. In some parts of the world, even national internet providers restrict access to calling apps entirely.

Even when there are no outright blocks, some internet service providers slow down or deprioritize certain types of traffic, including VoIP, during peak hours. This practice is known as throttling, which can result in laggy conversations or poor audio quality.

How a VPN enhances VoIP calls

A VPN encrypts your internet connection and redirects it through a server located elsewhere. So, when you connect through a VPN, your traffic is shielded from view, and your device appears to be browsing from a different region. For VoIP users, this creates several advantages.

First, it helps bypass local restrictions by making it appear as though you’re connecting from a place where the app is allowed. This is especially helpful when traveling or working in regions with strict internet censorship.

Second, it adds a layer of privacy. Even if your calling app already encrypts the conversation itself, your network provider can still see which app you’re using, who you’re calling, and when. A VPN masks this metadata, making it harder for others to track or interfere with your communication.

Finally, a VPN can reduce issues with throttling. Since your traffic is encrypted, your internet provider can’t easily detect that you’re using VoIP, which makes it less likely they’ll slow down your call connection.

What to look for in a VPN for VoIP

Not all VPNs are built to handle voice and video communication effectively. If you’re in the market for one, be sure to prioritize these essential features:

  • Speed and stability: For smooth calls, you need a fast internet connection without delays.
  • No-logs policy: Choose a provider that doesn’t monitor or store your online activity.
  • Strong encryption: Make sure your data is protected by AES 256-bit or similar standards.
  • Device compatibility: The VPN should work across smartphones, laptops, and routers.
  • Extra features: Tools such as split tunneling or double-hop servers give you more control over how and where your traffic is routed.

The bottom line on VPNs for VoIP

If your business relies on internet-based voice and video calls, a VPN is a smart way to boost reliability, restore access to blocked services, and protect sensitive conversations. But to get the full benefit, it’s essential to properly set up and configure a VoIP with a VPN.

That’s where we come in. Our IT experts will help you choose the right VPN for your needs, configure it across your devices, and make sure your VoIP traffic stays secure, stable, and fully functional. Contact us today to get started.

Meet your newest employee: Windows Copilot can now do the boring stuff for you

Editor November 21, 2025

You didn’t start a business to spend your evenings renaming files or copy-pasting numbers from PDF invoices. Yet, for many small-business owners, these repetitive administrative tasks eat up valuable hours that could go toward strategy or client relationships. Fortunately, Microsoft’s Copilot Actions is a new feature designed to handle these mundane chores for you.

What is Copilot Actions, and how does it work?

Most AI tools we’ve seen so far are conversational. You ask a question, and they give an answer. Copilot Actions is different because it can do things. It uses advanced processing to understand what is on your screen and interacts with your apps just like a human would.

Using it is straightforward. You simply upload a file — perhaps a batch of unorganized photos or a dense PDF report — to the Copilot chat window. Next, you select “Take Action” from the menu. Finally, you tell it what you need in plain English. You might type, “Fix the rotation on these photos and save them to a new folder,” or “Summarize the totals from this invoice.”

Behind the scenes, the software opens the necessary applications, scrolls through the content, and clicks the right buttons to complete the job. It’s like you’re assigning the work to a capable teammate.

Practical Copilot Actions use cases

You might be wondering exactly how this feature helps your daily operations. Automation becomes truly valuable when it handles specific, repeatable headaches.

  • Document clean-up: Site visits or product shoots often result in dozens of photos that are sideways or have messy, duplicate filenames. Copilot can rotate them to the correct orientation and rename them instantly, saving you from opening each one manually.
  • Information extraction: Vendor invoices often arrive as PDFs, requiring you to manually type figures into an email or spreadsheet. You can ask Copilot to “read” the PDF and draft an email containing only the key totals and due dates.
  • File organization: The Downloads folder on a business PC is often a chaotic mix of client contracts, receipts, and temporary files. Copilot can sort these items into specific subfolders based on their file type or content, keeping your digital workspace tidy.
  • Routine emails: Standard follow-ups take up unnecessary mental energy. If you have a document that needs to be sent to a client with a standard cover note, Copilot can draft the email and attach the file, leaving you to simply review and hit send.

Is Copilot Actions safe?

Handing over control of your mouse and files to software can sound intimidating. Microsoft has anticipated these concerns and built the system with a safety-first philosophy.

First, the feature is disabled by default. You must explicitly choose to turn it on. Second, Copilot has limited access. It can only interact with specific, safe folders such as Documents, Desktop, and Downloads unless you grant it permission to go elsewhere.

Most importantly, you remain the boss. The system acts transparently, often asking for approval before finalizing major tasks. If you ever feel the agent is going off track, you can interrupt it immediately and take back control of your mouse and screen.

When can you use Copilot Actions?

Copilot Actions is currently an experimental feature available in Copilot Labs. It is rolling out to early testers known as Windows Insiders first.

Like any new intern, it might make mistakes in the beginning. Microsoft is releasing it slowly to gather feedback and refine the technology. If you are tech-savvy and eager to try it out, keep an eye on the Windows Insider program updates. For everyone else, it will likely arrive in a standard Windows update once the testing phase is complete.

Ready to reclaim your time?

Automation is no longer just for massive corporations with expensive IT departments. Tools such as Copilot Actions are bringing that power to small businesses, allowing you to offload repetitive chores and reclaim your time. Even saving just one hour a week can have a meaningful impact on how you run and grow your business.

If you want to learn more about Copilot Actions or other tools that can streamline your business, reach out to our experts today.

The “digital intern” you’ve been waiting for: Automating admin work with Windows Copilot

Editor November 21, 2025

Every solopreneur and small-business owner knows the struggle of wearing too many hats. One minute, you are the CEO, and 10 minutes later, you’re the administrative assistant trying to fix a sideways scan. Microsoft’s latest feature, Copilot Actions, might be the extra pair of hands you’ve been waiting for.

What is Copilot Actions, and how does it work?

Most AI tools we’ve seen so far are conversational. You ask a question, and they give an answer. Copilot Actions is different because it can do things. It uses advanced processing to understand what is on your screen and interacts with your apps just like a human would.

Using it is straightforward. You simply upload a file — perhaps a batch of unorganized photos or a dense PDF report — to the Copilot chat window. Next, you select “Take Action” from the menu. Finally, you tell it what you need in plain English. You might type, “Fix the rotation on these photos and save them to a new folder,” or “Summarize the totals from this invoice.”

Behind the scenes, the software opens the necessary applications, scrolls through the content, and clicks the right buttons to complete the job. It’s like you’re assigning the work to a capable teammate.

Practical Copilot Actions use cases

You might be wondering exactly how this feature helps your daily operations. Automation becomes truly valuable when it handles specific, repeatable headaches.

  • Document clean-up: Site visits or product shoots often result in dozens of photos that are sideways or have messy, duplicate filenames. Copilot can rotate them to the correct orientation and rename them instantly, saving you from opening each one manually.
  • Information extraction: Vendor invoices often arrive as PDFs, requiring you to manually type figures into an email or spreadsheet. You can ask Copilot to “read” the PDF and draft an email containing only the key totals and due dates.
  • File organization: The Downloads folder on a business PC is often a chaotic mix of client contracts, receipts, and temporary files. Copilot can sort these items into specific subfolders based on their file type or content, keeping your digital workspace tidy.
  • Routine emails: Standard follow-ups take up unnecessary mental energy. If you have a document that needs to be sent to a client with a standard cover note, Copilot can draft the email and attach the file, leaving you to simply review and hit send.

Is Copilot Actions safe?

Handing over control of your mouse and files to software can sound intimidating. Microsoft has anticipated these concerns and built the system with a safety-first philosophy.

First, the feature is disabled by default. You must explicitly choose to turn it on. Second, Copilot has limited access. It can only interact with specific, safe folders such as Documents, Desktop, and Downloads unless you grant it permission to go elsewhere.

Most importantly, you remain the boss. The system acts transparently, often asking for approval before finalizing major tasks. If you ever feel the agent is going off track, you can interrupt it immediately and take back control of your mouse and screen.

When can you use Copilot Actions?

Copilot Actions is currently an experimental feature available in Copilot Labs. It is rolling out to early testers known as Windows Insiders first.

Like any new intern, it might make mistakes in the beginning. Microsoft is releasing it slowly to gather feedback and refine the technology. If you are tech-savvy and eager to try it out, keep an eye on the Windows Insider program updates. For everyone else, it will likely arrive in a standard Windows update once the testing phase is complete.

Ready to reclaim your time?

Automation is no longer just for massive corporations with expensive IT departments. Tools such as Copilot Actions are bringing that power to small businesses, allowing you to offload repetitive chores and reclaim your time. Even saving just one hour a week can have a meaningful impact on how you run and grow your business.

If you want to learn more about Copilot Actions or other tools that can streamline your business, reach out to our experts today.

Save hours every week: How the new Windows Copilot agent handles repetitive tasks

Editor November 21, 2025

For small-business owners, time is the one resource that’s always in short supply. Many often find themselves bogged down by “low-value” tasks — formatting documents, sorting messy downloads, or drafting routine follow-ups — that distract from the actual work of running a company. Enter Copilot Actions, a new feature from Microsoft that aims to give you those hours back, going beyond the standard AI chat experience.

What is Copilot Actions, and how does it work?

Most AI tools we’ve seen so far are conversational. You ask a question, and they give an answer. Copilot Actions is different because it can do things. It uses advanced processing to understand what is on your screen and interacts with your apps just like a human would.

Using it is straightforward. You simply upload a file — perhaps a batch of unorganized photos or a dense PDF report — to the Copilot chat window. Next, you select “Take Action” from the menu. Finally, you tell it what you need in plain English. You might type, “Fix the rotation on these photos and save them to a new folder,” or “Summarize the totals from this invoice.”

Behind the scenes, the software opens the necessary applications, scrolls through the content, and clicks the right buttons to complete the job. It’s like you’re assigning the work to a capable teammate.

Practical Copilot Actions use cases

You might be wondering exactly how this feature helps your daily operations. Automation becomes truly valuable when it handles specific, repeatable headaches.

  • Document clean-up: Site visits or product shoots often result in dozens of photos that are sideways or have messy, duplicate filenames. Copilot can rotate them to the correct orientation and rename them instantly, saving you from opening each one manually.
  • Information extraction: Vendor invoices often arrive as PDFs, requiring you to manually type figures into an email or spreadsheet. You can ask Copilot to “read” the PDF and draft an email containing only the key totals and due dates.
  • File organization: The Downloads folder on a business PC is often a chaotic mix of client contracts, receipts, and temporary files. Copilot can sort these items into specific subfolders based on their file type or content, keeping your digital workspace tidy.
  • Routine emails: Standard follow-ups take up unnecessary mental energy. If you have a document that needs to be sent to a client with a standard cover note, Copilot can draft the email and attach the file, leaving you to simply review and hit send.

Is Copilot Actions safe?

Handing over control of your mouse and files to software can sound intimidating. Microsoft has anticipated these concerns and built the system with a safety-first philosophy.

First, the feature is disabled by default. You must explicitly choose to turn it on. Second, Copilot has limited access. It can only interact with specific, safe folders such as Documents, Desktop, and Downloads unless you grant it permission to go elsewhere.

Most importantly, you remain the boss. The system acts transparently, often asking for approval before finalizing major tasks. If you ever feel the agent is going off track, you can interrupt it immediately and take back control of your mouse and screen.

When can you use Copilot Actions?

Copilot Actions is currently an experimental feature available in Copilot Labs. It is rolling out to early testers known as Windows Insiders first.

Like any new intern, it might make mistakes in the beginning. Microsoft is releasing it slowly to gather feedback and refine the technology. If you are tech-savvy and eager to try it out, keep an eye on the Windows Insider program updates. For everyone else, it will likely arrive in a standard Windows update once the testing phase is complete.

Ready to reclaim your time?

Automation is no longer just for massive corporations with expensive IT departments. Tools such as Copilot Actions are bringing that power to small businesses, allowing you to offload repetitive chores and reclaim your time. Even saving just one hour a week can have a meaningful impact on how you run and grow your business.

If you want to learn more about Copilot Actions or other tools that can streamline your business, reach out to our experts today.

What is cloud AI, and how can it benefit your business?

Editor November 20, 2025

AI (artificial intelligence) is changing the way we do business, and cloud AI is making it simple for companies to incorporate this technology into their daily workflows. In this article, we dive into what cloud AI is, how it works, and how it offers businesses a cost-effective, scalable way to leverage AI.

What is cloud AI?

Cloud AI is the delivery of artificial intelligence services and tools through cloud computing platforms. Rather than investing in costly infrastructure and managing complex systems, businesses can access AI capabilities, such as machine learning, big data analysis, and automation, via the cloud. As a result, companies can integrate AI into their operations without specialized resources, making cloud AI a flexible, cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

How cloud AI works

Cloud AI operates through data centers hosted by cloud service providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. These centers house the powerful computing resources needed to run AI models that would be too expensive for most businesses to run on their own.

Key features of cloud AI include platforms for building and deploying AI models, data storage systems for managing large datasets, and prebuilt models that companies can use for various functions (e.g., customer sentiment analysis). Cloud AI also gives businesses access to inference engines, which process data in real time to enable quick, data-driven decisions.

When implemented strategically, businesses can use these features for predictive analytics, AI chatbots, client personalization, risk management, automated scheduling, and more.

How can cloud AI benefit businesses?

Cloud AI offers numerous advantages, such as:

  • Reduced need for in-house expertise: Cloud AI enables businesses to access advanced AI tools and prebuilt models, even without machine learning or data science expertise. That means companies don’t need to hire a team of experts or purchase expensive hardware to take advantage of AI.
  • Accelerated time to market: One of the most significant advantages of cloud AI is speed. Using pretrained models and cloud-based services, businesses can quickly implement AI-driven solutions without waiting months for development. Such speed is especially valuable in fast-moving industries, such as manufacturing and retail, where the ability to launch new products or features quickly can provide a competitive edge.
  • Cost efficiency: By leveraging cloud infrastructure, businesses avoid the high upfront costs of building in-house AI systems. Instead, cloud AI uses a subscription-based pricing model, allowing businesses to access advanced technology while keeping costs manageable.
  • Scalability and flexibility: Businesses can achieve unparalleled scalability with cloud AI, surpassing the limitations of on-premises systems. As the business grows, its AI needs can expand too, whether it’s handling more customers, processing more data, or adding new features. With cloud AI, scaling up doesn’t require additional capital expenditures; companies simply pay for what they use and adjust resources in real time.
  • Enterprise-level performance and security: Cloud providers invest heavily in infrastructure to make their systems reliable and secure. For businesses, this means uptime is maximized, and AI models can run efficiently. Cloud providers also take care of routine maintenance, ensuring that businesses can focus on using AI rather than managing servers.

Cloud AI is perfect for businesses that find the prospect of implementing AI into their operations overwhelming. If you want to experience the benefits of AI without the hassle of building it yourself, consult with us today. We’ll assess your business needs then recommend the best ways to integrate cloud AI into your operations.

Website Management for Small Business Owners

Full-service, pay-as-you-go WordPress websites, from design and content to SEO and Google Ads management for an affordable monthly price.

Learn more about our website management services for small businesses.

Search
Archives