check before: 2025-10-21
Product:
Copilot, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 for the web, Windows
Platform:
Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot's Agent Mode in Excel Labs (Frontier preview) enables natural language workbook editing, available from October 21, 2025, for Frontier program customers. Admins must enable Frontier access; users can toggle features in Copilot. More features and languages are coming, with no identified compliance issues.
Details:
Updated November 18, 2025: New capabilities are now available for Frontier program customers. We have updated the content below to provide additional details on how to use Agent Mode in Copilot in Excel.
[Introduction:]
Agent Mode in Microsoft 365 Copilot for Excel, available now on the web and Windows desktop, is a new way for users to work with Copilot in Excel. It uses natural language to build and edit workbooks and allows users to keep their content editable and stay up to date with the latest changes. Agent mode can search the web to pull in trusted, up-to-date information from the internet to complement your Excel data. It helps answer questions, provide context, and enrich your analysis without leaving your workbook. Agent Mode in Excel also supports working with Claude AI models from Anthropic to build workbooks directly in Excel.
Users stay in control over all modifications at any time. To learn more, read https://aka.ms/Agent_Mode.
[How to access Agent Mode in Copilot in Excel:]
Available to Microsoft Frontier program customers starting October 21, 2025.
For Enterprise Microsoft 365 Copilot license customers, admins need to enable Frontier access for their organization in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
For Microsoft 365 Personal, Family or Premium licenses, customers can turn on Frontier Features with a new toggle under the Copilot ribbon button.
Once Frontier features are turned on, customers will see a new Agent Mode option under the Tools menu in Copilot chat.
This version will soon include more features and support for additional languages.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-09-29
updated:
2025-11-19
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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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**
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Direct effects for Operations**
User Experience Disruption
If the new Agent Mode is enabled without proper training, users may struggle to utilize the natural language features effectively, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
- roles: End Users, Data Analysts
- references: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/10/02/how-ai-is-changing-the-way-we-work/?sh=5c1c1e4e7b8d, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot/
Increased Support Tickets
Without preparation, users may encounter issues with the new features, resulting in a surge of support requests and increased workload for IT support teams.
- roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Technicians
- references: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-manage-it-support-tickets/, https://www.zdnet.com/article/5-ways-to-reduce-it-support-tickets/
Compliance Risks
If the AI models are enabled without proper compliance checks, there could be risks related to data privacy and security, potentially leading to breaches or misuse of sensitive information.
- roles: Compliance Officers, Data Protection Officers
- references: https://www.csoonline.com/article/3531230/what-is-data-compliance-and-why-is-it-important.html, https://www.privacyshield.gov/article?id=What-is-Data-Compliance
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Enhanced Data Analysis and Reporting
With Agent Mode, users can leverage natural language processing to create and modify Excel workbooks more intuitively. This capability can significantly enhance the data analysis process, allowing users to generate insights quickly and with less technical knowledge required. The ability to pull in up-to-date information from the web can also improve the relevance and accuracy of reports.
- next-steps: Encourage training sessions for users to familiarize them with Agent Mode features and how to utilize them effectively for data analysis and reporting.
- roles: Data Analysts, Business Intelligence Managers, Financial Analysts
- references: https://aka.ms/Agent_Mode, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-addins-in-the-admin-center?view=o365-worldwide
" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-addins-in-the-admin-center?view=o365-worldwide
Increased User Productivity
The integration of natural language queries allows users to perform complex tasks in Excel without needing to navigate through multiple menus or commands. This can lead to significant time savings and improved productivity as users can focus more on analysis rather than on how to execute functions within Excel.
- next-steps: Monitor user engagement with the new feature and gather feedback to understand how it impacts their daily tasks. Provide additional resources or support based on this feedback.
- roles: Operations Managers, Project Managers, General Staff
- references: https://aka.ms/Agent_Mode, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/use-claude-with-agent-mode-in-excel-b2c3b3ec-154b-484b-84d0-914a80df395a
Streamlined IT Management and Support
The ability to enable or disable features like Agent Mode and access to AI models directly from the Microsoft 365 Admin Center allows IT administrators to manage tools and resources more efficiently. This centralized control can reduce the administrative burden and improve compliance with organizational policies regarding software usage.
- next-steps: Develop a clear policy for enabling and managing new features, and provide training for IT staff on the new capabilities of the Microsoft 365 Admin Center related to Copilot and Excel.
- roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers, IT Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-addins-in-the-admin-center?view=o365-worldwide, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/use-claude-with-agent-mode-in-excel-b2c3b3ec-154b-484b-84d0-914a80df395a
Potentional Risks**
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Data Protection**
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IT Security**
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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**
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DPIA Draft**
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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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change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2025-11-19 | MC Last Updated | 10/21/2025 19:50:54 | 2025-11-18T18:29:48Z |
| 2025-11-19 | MC Messages | Updated October 21, 2025: Now that this is available, we have updated the content below to provide additional details as you leverage the feature. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:] Agent Mode in Microsoft 365 Copilot for Excel, available now on the web and coming soon to desktop apps, is a new way for users to work with Copilot in Excel. It uses natural language to build and edit workbooks and allows users to keep their content editable and stay up to date with the latest changes. Users stay in control over all modifications at any time. To learn more, read https://aka.ms/Agent_Mode. [How to access Agent Mode in Copilot in Excel:] Available to Microsoft Frontier program customers starting October 21, 2025. For Enterprise Microsoft 365 Copilot license customers, admins need to enable Frontier access for their organization in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. For Microsoft 365 Personal, Family or Premium licenses, customers can turn on Frontier Features with a new toggle under the Copilot ribbon button. Once Frontier features are turned on, customers will see a new Agent Mode option under the Tools menu in Copilot chat. This version will soon include more features and support for additional languages. | Updated November 18, 2025: New capabilities are now available for Frontier program customers. We have updated the content below to provide additional details on how to use Agent Mode in Copilot in Excel.
[Introduction:] Agent Mode in Microsoft 365 Copilot for Excel, available now on the web and Windows desktop, is a new way for users to work with Copilot in Excel. It uses natural language to build and edit workbooks and allows users to keep their content editable and stay up to date with the latest changes. Agent mode can search the web to pull in trusted, up-to-date information from the internet to complement your Excel data. It helps answer questions, provide context, and enrich your analysis without leaving your workbook. Agent Mode in Excel also supports working with Claude AI models from Anthropic to build workbooks directly in Excel. Users stay in control over all modifications at any time. To learn more, read https://aka.ms/Agent_Mode. [How to access Agent Mode in Copilot in Excel:] Available to Microsoft Frontier program customers starting October 21, 2025. For Enterprise Microsoft 365 Copilot license customers, admins need to enable Frontier access for their organization in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. For Microsoft 365 Personal, Family or Premium licenses, customers can turn on Frontier Features with a new toggle under the Copilot ribbon button. Once Frontier features are turned on, customers will see a new Agent Mode option under the Tools menu in Copilot chat. This version will soon include more features and support for additional languages. |
| 2025-11-19 | MC End Time | 10/29/2025 08:00:00 | 2025-12-31T08:00:00Z |
| 2025-11-19 | MC prepare | Ensure Frontier Features are enabled in your tenant.
Alternatively, ensure Office add-ins are enabled in your tenant and enable use of the Excel Labs add-in. To learn more, see Review and manage add-ins in the admin center. [Compliance considerations:] No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization. https://aka.ms/Agent_Mode https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-addins-in-the-admin-center?view=o365-worldwide | Ensure Frontier Features are enabled in your tenant.
Admins must allow access to Anthropic AI models by allowing 'AI providers for other large language models' in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center before users can access Claude with Agent Mode in Excel. Alternatively, ensure Office add-ins are enabled in your tenant and enable use of the Excel Labs add-in. To learn more, see Review and manage add-ins in the admin center. Review documentation here: Use Claude with Agent Mode in Excel [Compliance considerations:] No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization. https://aka.ms/Agent_Mode https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-addins-in-the-admin-center?view=o365-worldwide https://support.microsoft.com/topic/use-claude-with-agent-mode-in-excel-b2c3b3ec-154b-484b-84d0-914a80df395a |
| 2025-10-22 | MC prepare | Ensure Office add-ins are enabled in your tenant.
Enable use of the Excel Labs add-in. Learn more about how to review and manage add-ins in the Microsoft 365 admin center: Manage add-ins in the admin center - Microsoft 365 admin | Microsoft Learn Learn more: Get started with Copilot in Excel | Copilot in Excel | Microsoft Support [Compliance considerations:] No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization. https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-addins-in-the-admin-center?view=o365-worldwide#manage-add-in-downloads-by-turning-onoff-the-office-store-across-all-apps-except-outlook https://support.microsoft.com/office/get-started-with-copilot-in-excel-d7110502-0334-4b4f-a175-a73abdfc118a https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/blog/2025/09/29/vibe-working-introducing-agent-mode-and-office-agent-in-microsoft-365-copilot/ | Ensure Frontier Features are enabled in your tenant.
Alternatively, ensure Office add-ins are enabled in your tenant and enable use of the Excel Labs add-in. To learn more, see Review and manage add-ins in the admin center. [Compliance considerations:] No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization. https://aka.ms/Agent_Mode https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-addins-in-the-admin-center?view=o365-worldwide |
| 2025-10-22 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact |
| 2025-10-22 | MC Summary | Agent Mode in Microsoft 365 Copilot for Excel, available via the Excel Labs add-in Frontier preview starting September 29, 2025, enables natural language interaction to build and edit workbooks while keeping content editable and synced. Admins must enable the add-in for user access. | Microsoft 365 Copilot's Agent Mode in Excel Labs (Frontier preview) enables natural language workbook editing, available from October 21, 2025, for Frontier program customers. Admins must enable Frontier access; users can toggle features in Copilot. More features and languages are coming, with no identified compliance issues. |
| 2025-10-22 | MC Last Updated | 09/29/2025 18:21:53 | 2025-10-21T19:50:54Z |
| 2025-10-22 | MC Messages | [Introduction:]
Agent Mode in Microsoft 365 Copilot for Excel, currently available only on the web and soon to be released for desktop apps, introduces a new way for users to interact with Copilot using natural language to build and edit workbooks. This feature allows users to work alongside Copilot, keeping their content editable and synchronized with the latest changes. The early access preview is available through the Frontier program in the Excel Labs add-in. Users maintain complete control over all modifications at any time. Read more about it in our announcement Vibe working: Introducing Agent Mode and Office Agent in Microsoft 365 Copilot. [When this will happen:] We will begin rolling out Agent Mode in Excel Labs (Frontier preview) on September 29, 2025, via the Office Store. Rollout is expected to complete the same day. | Updated October 21, 2025: Now that this is available, we have updated the content below to provide additional details as you leverage the feature. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:] Agent Mode in Microsoft 365 Copilot for Excel, available now on the web and coming soon to desktop apps, is a new way for users to work with Copilot in Excel. It uses natural language to build and edit workbooks and allows users to keep their content editable and stay up to date with the latest changes. Users stay in control over all modifications at any time. To learn more, read https://aka.ms/Agent_Mode. [How to access Agent Mode in Copilot in Excel:] Available to Microsoft Frontier program customers starting October 21, 2025. For Enterprise Microsoft 365 Copilot license customers, admins need to enable Frontier access for their organization in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. For Microsoft 365 Personal, Family or Premium licenses, customers can turn on Frontier Features with a new toggle under the Copilot ribbon button. Once Frontier features are turned on, customers will see a new Agent Mode option under the Tools menu in Copilot chat. This version will soon include more features and support for additional languages. |
| 2025-10-22 | MC Title | Microsoft 365 Copilot: Agent Mode available in Excel Labs add-in (Frontier preview) | (Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot: Agent Mode available in Excel Labs add-in (Frontier preview) |
| 2025-10-22 | MC How Affect | Who is affected:
Users with access to the Excel Labs add-in via the Office Store. Admins managing Office add-ins and Microsoft 365 Copilot capabilities. What will happen: Users will see a new Agent Mode experience in Excel Labs: Agent Mode enables natural language interaction with Copilot to build and edit workbooks. Content remains editable and synced with workbook changes. The feature is available only through the Frontier preview program. Admins must enable the Excel Labs add-in for users to access this capability.-; |
Last updated 2 weeks ago ago
