check before: 2025-12-01
Product:
Copilot, Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, OneDrive, SharePoint
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
New feature, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft 365 subscribers will be able to use Copilot Chat in locally stored Excel modern workbooks starting mid-December 2025, with rollout completing by January 2026. This feature is enabled by default and aligns functionality with workbooks stored in SharePoint or OneDrive.
Details:
We're enabling Microsoft 365 subscribers to use Copilot Chat when working in Microsoft Excel modern workbooks (.xlsx, .xlsb, .xlsm, .ods, .xltx, .xltm, and .xlam files) stored locally. This brings parity with workbooks stored in SharePoint or OneDrive, allowing users to query Copilot Chat regardless of storage location.
[When this will happen]
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in mid-December 2025 and is expected to complete in January 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-12-12
updated:
2025-12-12
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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summary for non-techies**
Starting mid-December 2025, Microsoft will enable Copilot Chat in Excel to assist users with files stored locally on their computers, in addition to those stored in SharePoint or OneDrive, enhancing accessibility for Microsoft 365 users without requiring any special actions.
Direct effects for Operations**
User Experience Impact
Users may experience confusion or frustration if they are not prepared for the new Copilot Chat feature in locally stored workbooks, as it may change their workflow unexpectedly.
- roles: End Users, Data Analysts
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage, https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/overview
Technological Impact
The introduction of Copilot Chat in locally stored workbooks may lead to performance issues or bugs if the infrastructure is not adequately prepared to handle the new feature, potentially causing slowdowns or crashes.
- roles: IT Support, System Administrators
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage, https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/overview
Configutation Options**
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Data Protection**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 2 weeks ago ago
