Metadata at Apr 21, 2026
Published
Service
Tag
MC1287365 - Microsoft 365 Copilot: Change in accessing additional agents in Excel
Message Center
What changed since this version
Updated May 1, 2026: We have paused rollout of this feature at this time. We will communicate via Message center when we are ready to proceed. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Introduction
We are updating the Chat-only Copilot experience in Excel to better align with the editing experience. As part of this update, users who want to access additional Copilot agents (such as Researcher or Analyst) can do so by selecting the “…” menu in the header and choosing M365 Copilot.
When this will happen
- General Availability (Worldwide):
Rollout starts inlate April 2026and is expectedWe will communicate via Message center when we are ready tobe complete bylate April 2026.proceed.
How this affects your organization
Who is affected
All Excel users with Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses
What will happen
- Users can continue to use the chat‑only Copilot experience in Excel to ask questions, analyze data, and receive insights without modifying workbook content.
- However, users who want to access additional Copilot agents (such as Researcher or Analyst) can do so by selecting the "…" menu in the Excel header and choosing M365 Copilot:
- Existing Microsoft 365 Copilot licensing and policy controls are respected.
- There is no change to workbook editing behavior or data permissions.
What you can do to prepare
No admin action is required.
- Inform helpdesk and support teams about the new access path to Microsoft 365 Copilot from Excel.
- Update internal documentation or training materials that describe Copilot experiences in Excel.
- Review Microsoft 365 Copilot documentation if you want to understand available agents and licensing requirements.
Learn more: Edit with Copilot in Excel | Microsoft Support
Compliance considerations
No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.
Snapshot from Apr 21, 2026
Introduction
We are updating the Chat-only Copilot experience in Excel to better align with the editing experience. As part of this update, users who want to access additional Copilot agents (such as Researcher or Analyst) can do so by selecting the “…” menu in the header and choosing M365 Copilot.
When this will happen
- General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout starts in late April 2026 and is expected to be complete by late April 2026.
How this affects your organization
Who is affected
All Excel users with Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses
What will happen
- Users can continue to use the chat‑only Copilot experience in Excel to ask questions, analyze data, and receive insights without modifying workbook content.
- However, users who want to access additional Copilot agents (such as Researcher or Analyst) can do so by selecting the "…" menu in the Excel header and choosing M365 Copilot:
- Existing Microsoft 365 Copilot licensing and policy controls are respected.
- There is no change to workbook editing behavior or data permissions.
What you can do to prepare
No admin action is required.
- Inform helpdesk and support teams about the new access path to Microsoft 365 Copilot from Excel.
- Update internal documentation or training materials that describe Copilot experiences in Excel.
- Review Microsoft 365 Copilot documentation if you want to understand available agents and licensing requirements.
Learn more: Edit with Copilot in Excel | Microsoft Support
Compliance considerations
No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.