MC1485411 - Microsoft Excel: Excel canvas

Message Center

Summary

Excel canvas, a new Copilot feature in Microsoft Excel, creates dynamic reports with visualizations and insights that update automatically with data changes. Available worldwide by late October 2026, it supports natural language interaction for report customization. No action is required; notify users and update training materials as needed.

Published

Oct 2, 2026

Service

Microsoft 365 apps

Tag

New feature
Feature update
User impact

Platforms

Desktop
Web

More information

What and why

We are introducing Excel canvas, a new Copilot capability for Microsoft Excel. Excel canvas transforms workbook data into a polished report containing visualizations, metrics, and insights. Reports automatically refresh as the underlying workbook data changes, reflecting the latest information. Users can further refine and customize reports by interacting with Copilot using natural language.

Rollout schedule

  • General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout begins in mid-October 2026 and is expected to complete by the end of October 2026.

Impact on your organization

Who is affected

  • Users with access to Copilot in Microsoft Excel.

Platforms and services

  • Microsoft Excel for Windows
  • Microsoft Excel Online
  • Microsoft 365 Copilot

What will happen

  • Users will be able to generate an interactive Copilot-created report from workbook data.
  • Reports will combine key visualizations, metrics, and insights in a single view.
  • Report content will automatically update when the underlying workbook data changes.
  • Users will be able to modify and refine reports by interacting with Copilot using natural language.

Action required and recommendations

No action is required to prepare for this change. We recommend that you notify users about this new capability and update any internal training or adoption materials related to Copilot in Microsoft Excel.

Compliance considerations

No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.