Microsoft has expanded the functionality of the desktop versions of Excel for Windows and macOS by adding the Copilot AI assistant in Agent Mode. Previously, this feature was only available in the web version of the service, which launched in December 2025, according to the company's blog.
In Agent Mode, users can build a task in the chat, then the AI agent will automatically populate or edit the board. The Assistant can create new worksheets and workbooks, create analytical reports based on downloaded data or information found on the Internet, as well as correct errors in formulas and visualize indicators.
The chat interface performs automatic AI model selection depending on the request type. This feature is available to Microsoft 365 Copilot users and Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, and Premium subscribers.
For users of extended subscriptions, manual model selection is provided. GPT-5.2 from OpenAI and Claude Opus 4.5 from Anthropic are available now. A variety of these models are available to Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft 365 Premium subscribers.
Previously, Google turned Chrome into an AI browser.
