MC1202968 – Agent Mode in Excel for Windows and Mac

Product:

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

Platform:

Mac, Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Rolling out

Change type:

New feature, User impact, Admin impact

Links:

542182

Details:

Summary:
Agent Mode in Microsoft 365 Copilot for Excel (Windows and Mac) enables natural language interaction to build and edit workbooks, integrates web search for updated data, and supports Claude AI models. It rolls out worldwide from mid-January to early March 2026, requires no admin action, and respects existing data access settings.

Details:
[Introduction]
Agent Mode in Microsoft 365 Copilot for Excel, available in Excel for Windows and Excel for Mac, introduces a new way for users to work with Copilot in Excel. It uses natural language to build and edit workbooks, keeps content editable, and ensures users stay up to date with the latest changes. Agent Mode can search the web to pull in trusted, up-to-date information to complement Excel data, answer questions, provide context, and enrich analysis without leaving the workbook. It also supports working with Claude AI models from Anthropic to build workbooks directly in Excel.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 542182.
[When this will happen]
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in mid-January 2026 and is expected to complete by early March 2026.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-12-23

updated:
2025-12-23

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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linked item details

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion or disruption in their workflow due to the introduction of a new feature without prior training or documentation updates.
   - roles: End Users, Helpdesk Support
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/agent-mode-in-excel-a2fd6fe4-97ac-416b-b89a-22f4d1357c7a, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide

Increased Support Tickets
The rollout 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 Operations
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/agent-mode-in-excel-a2fd6fe4-97ac-416b-b89a-22f4d1357c7a, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=542182

Data Access Concerns
Users may inadvertently access or share sensitive data through the web search feature, leading to potential data privacy issues.
   - roles: End Users, Data Compliance Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/connect-to-ai-subprocessor, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/use-claude-with-agent-mode-frontier-in-excel-b2c3b3ec-154b-484b-84d0-914a80df395a

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Training Programs
With the introduction of Agent Mode in Excel, there is an opportunity to develop enhanced training programs that leverage the new capabilities of natural language interaction and AI integration. This will improve user proficiency and adoption of the new features, ultimately enhancing productivity.
   - next-steps: Create a comprehensive training module that includes tutorials, webinars, and hands-on workshops focusing on Agent Mode features. Schedule sessions to roll out this training ahead of the general availability date.
   - roles: Training Coordinators, IT Support Teams, Department Managers
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/agent-mode-in-excel-a2fd6fe4-97ac-416b-b89a-22f4d1357c7a" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://support.microsoft.com/office/agent-mode-in-excel-a2fd6fe4-97ac-416b-b89a-22f4d1357c7a, https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/connect-to-ai-subprocessor

Improved Data Accessibility and Collaboration
Agent Mode allows users to access up-to-date information via web search while working in Excel. This can enhance collaboration across teams by providing real-time data insights and reducing the time spent on manual data entry and updates.
   - next-steps: Encourage teams to integrate the use of Agent Mode in their workflows and establish guidelines for collaborative projects that utilize this feature for enhanced data sharing and decision-making.
   - roles: Data Analysts, Project Managers, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=542182, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/use-claude-with-agent-mode-frontier-in-excel-b2c3b3ec-154b-484b-84d0-914a80df395a

Streamlined IT Support Processes
The new capabilities of Agent Mode may lead to an increase in user queries and support requests. By proactively updating internal documentation and training support staff on the new features, IT can streamline support processes and reduce response times.
   - next-steps: Develop and distribute updated documentation that outlines common user scenarios and troubleshooting tips for Agent Mode. Conduct training sessions for IT support staff to familiarize them with the new features and expected user challenges.
   - roles: IT Support Teams, Helpdesk Managers, System Administrators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide, https://support.microsoft.com/office/agent-mode-in-excel-a2fd6fe4-97ac-416b-b89a-22f4d1357c7a" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://support.microsoft.com/office/agent-mode-in-excel-a2fd6fe4-97ac-416b-b89a-22f4d1357c7a

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**

Agent Mode in Microsoft 365 Copilot for Excel is like having a smart assistant right inside your spreadsheet. Imagine you're working on a complex legal case or managing a large HR project, and you have a colleague who can instantly pull up the latest data, answer your questions, and help you organize information—all without leaving your desk. That's what Agent Mode does for Excel users on both Windows and Mac.

This feature allows you to use everyday language to interact with your Excel workbooks. Think of it as talking to a colleague who understands your needs and can help you edit tables, create charts, or adjust formulas with just a few words. It also has the ability to search the web for the most current information, much like asking a research assistant to find the latest legal precedents or HR trends to support your work.

Agent Mode integrates with Claude AI models, which are like having a team of experts ready to assist you in building and refining your spreadsheets. This makes it easier to manage complex data without needing to be an Excel wizard yourself.

The rollout of this feature is happening worldwide from mid-January to early March 2026, and it will be available by default for users with the appropriate Microsoft 365 licenses. You don't need to worry about making any changes to your current settings or policies, as Agent Mode respects existing data access permissions.

For those in managerial or HR roles, it's like having a tool that streamlines your workflow, saving you time and reducing the need for constant back-and-forth with IT or data specialists. It’s a way to make Excel more intuitive and responsive to your needs, allowing you to focus on strategic decisions rather than getting bogged down in technical details.