Microsoft Excel adds Copilot AI for smart cell filling
Microsoft Excel is poised to transform how users interact with spreadsheets, introducing a new artificial intelligence-powered function designed to automate data entry and analysis. This innovation, dubbed “COPILOT,” is currently undergoing testing, mirroring a similar feature Google Sheets launched in June.
The “COPILOT” function allows users to leverage natural language prompts to automatically populate cells, classify information, generate summaries, create tables, and even draft descriptions. For instance, if a user has a column filled with customer feedback on a product, they could employ a simple formula like =COPILOT("Classify this feedback", D4:D18) to instantly categorize responses. Similarly, the AI can be prompted to “Create a description for this product based on its specs” or “Summarize this feedback” by referencing designated cell ranges, streamlining tasks that typically demand significant manual effort.
Underpinning this new capability is OpenAI’s gpt-4.1-mini AI model. COPILOT represents an evolution of Microsoft’s earlier experiments with generative AI in Excel, succeeding the “LABS.GENERATIVEAI” function that the company first began exploring in 2023. Microsoft highlights the versatility of COPILOT, noting that it can be seamlessly integrated with other established Excel functions, such as IF, SWITCH, LAMBDA, or WRAPROWS, offering a powerful combination for complex data manipulation.
A key consideration for any AI-driven tool is data privacy, and Microsoft has addressed this by affirming that information processed through Excel’s COPILOT function is never used for AI model training. The company states unequivocally that user input remains confidential, serving solely to generate the requested output.
Despite its impressive potential, COPILOT arrives with specific limitations and important caveats. The function is designed to operate strictly within the confines of the spreadsheet, meaning it cannot access information stored externally. Furthermore, users are currently limited to executing 100 COPILOT functions every ten minutes. Perhaps most critically, Microsoft advises against using the AI for precise numerical calculations or in “high-stakes scenarios” that carry legal, regulatory, or compliance implications. This warning stems from the understanding that COPILOT, like other generative AI models, “can give incorrect responses,” underscoring the need for human oversight and validation, especially in critical applications.
The COPILOT function is progressively rolling out to Windows and Mac users subscribed to the Beta Channel and possessing a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Looking ahead, Microsoft has expressed plans to refine this feature further, intending to upgrade the underlying AI model and potentially introduce support for web access, which could significantly expand its capabilities. This iterative development approach suggests a commitment to enhancing Excel’s AI integration, though users are encouraged to proceed with an understanding of its current scope and limitations.