MC1184408 – Agent mode in Excel generally available soon (formerly part of the Frontier program)

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot

Platform:

Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Agent mode in Excel, formerly part of the Frontier program, will be generally available worldwide from December 2025 to February 2026. It enables AI-assisted workbook editing with web search integration, supports Excel features, requires no admin changes, and is accessible via M365 Copilot Chat for licensed users.

Details:
[Introduction]
Agent mode in Excel, previously available through the Frontier program, will soon be generally available. This feature enables users to build and edit workbooks side by side with Copilot, streamlining tasks like updating budgets, creating financial models, and analyzing data. 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. It leverages Excel's most powerful tools-tables, charts, PivotTables, and formulas-making it easier to complete complex tasks with AI-powered assistance.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in early December 2025 and is expected to complete by late February 2026.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-11-10

updated:
2025-11-19

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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Pictures

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Confusion
Users may be confused about the new features and how to effectively utilize Agent mode without prior training or documentation updates.
   - roles: End Users, Helpdesk Support
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-page#web-search-for-microsoft-365-copilot-and-microsoft-365-copilot-chat, https://support.microsoft.com/office/a2fd6fe4-97ac-416b-b89a-22f4d1357c7a

Increased Support Tickets
The introduction of Agent mode may lead to an increase in support tickets as users encounter issues or have questions about the new functionality.
   - roles: Helpdesk Support, IT Support
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide, https://support.microsoft.com/office/a2fd6fe4-97ac-416b-b89a-22f4d1357c7a

Workflow Disruption
Users may experience disruptions in their workflow as they adapt to the new features, potentially leading to decreased productivity during the transition period.
   - roles: End Users, Project Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-page#web-search-for-microsoft-365-copilot-and-microsoft-365-copilot-chat, https://support.microsoft.com/office/a2fd6fe4-97ac-416b-b89a-22f4d1357c7a

Data Misinterpretation
Without proper understanding of the AI-assisted features, users may misinterpret data or make incorrect decisions based on the AI suggestions provided by Agent mode.
   - roles: End Users, Data Analysts
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-page#web-search-for-microsoft-365-copilot-and-microsoft-365-copilot-chat, https://support.microsoft.com/office/a2fd6fe4-97ac-416b-b89a-22f4d1357c7a

Security Concerns
Users may inadvertently expose sensitive data while using web search features integrated into Agent mode, leading to potential security risks.
   - roles: End Users, Data Privacy Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide, https://support.microsoft.com/office/a2fd6fe4-97ac-416b-b89a-22f4d1357c7a

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced Data Analysis Capabilities
The introduction of Agent mode in Excel allows users to leverage AI for enhanced data analysis. This can lead to more accurate insights and quicker decision-making, especially for roles heavily reliant on data such as financial analysts and data scientists.
   - next-steps: Train financial analysts and data scientists on how to effectively use Agent mode for data analysis. Develop use-case scenarios to demonstrate its capabilities.
   - roles: Financial Analysts, Data Scientists, Business Analysts
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-page#web-search-for-microsoft-365-copilot-and-microsoft-365-copilot-chat, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide

Improved User Productivity
Agent mode streamlines workbook editing by allowing users to perform web searches and data enrichment directly within Excel. This can significantly reduce the time spent switching between applications, enhancing productivity for roles such as project managers and operations teams.
   - next-steps: Conduct workshops to showcase the productivity benefits of Agent mode. Gather feedback from users to continuously improve their experience.
   - roles: Project Managers, Operations Teams, Executives
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-page#web-search-for-microsoft-365-copilot-and-microsoft-365-copilot-chat, https://support.microsoft.com/office/a2fd6fe4-97ac-416b-b89a-22f4d1357c7a

Reduced Training and Support Needs
With the AI-assisted features of Agent mode, users may require less training to perform complex tasks in Excel, potentially reducing the workload for IT support and training teams.
   - next-steps: Evaluate current training materials and identify areas where Agent mode can reduce complexity. Update documentation to reflect these changes and provide support resources for users.
   - roles: IT Support Teams, Training Coordinators, HR Teams
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-page#web-search-for-microsoft-365-copilot-and-microsoft-365-copilot-chat, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide

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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