Welcome to the August 2025 update. We're excited to introduce the new COPILOT function in Microsoft Excel for Windows and Excel for Mac, a major step forward in how you work with data that brings the power of large language models directly into the grid and makes it easier than ever to analyze text, generate content, and work faster. The COPILOT function is now rolling out to Beta Channel users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.
Other features rolling out this month include explain formulas with Copilot in Excel, analyze images with Python in Excel, and more.
Excel for Windows and Mac:
- COPILOT function (Insiders)
Excel for Windows and web:
- Explain formulas on the grid with Copilot in Excel
Excel for Windows, Mac, and the web:
- Analyze images with Python in Excel (Insiders)
Excel for Windows:
- New pen tools and Draw tab customization (Insiders)
Excel for the web:
- Edit data label text in Excel for the web #FIA
Excel for Windows and Mac
COPILOT function (Insiders)
The new COPILOT function in Excel for Windows and Excel for Mac is here to save time and supercharge your workflows! Just enter a natural language prompt in your spreadsheet, reference cell values as needed, and watch Copilot instantly generate AI-powered results. Read more here >
Excel for Windows and web
Explain formulas on the grid with Copilot in Excel
The new Explain Formula feature turns Copilot into a user’s inline assistant, delivering clear, step-by-step breakdowns directly on the grid, right next to your data. Read more here >
Excel for Windows, Mac, and the web
Analyze images with Python in Excel (Insiders)
Analyzing, manipulating, and gathering important information from images in Excel just became easier and faster! This feature unlocks a whole new class of data analysis workflows: Now you can drop an image into a cell and run Python code on it with no extra tools or steps. Read more here >
Excel for Windows
New pen tools and Draw tab customization (Insiders)
Unleash your expressiveness and creativity with the Brush pen when adding ink and annotations in PowerPoint or Excel or write your notes in Word with a bit more flourish using the Fountain pen.
These additions can make the Draw tab feel crowded for some users, which is why we’ve also added the options to add, remove, and reorder your drawing tools. Now, it’s easy to customize the Draw tab layout to prioritize the pens, pencils, and highlighters you use most. Read more here >
Excel for the web
Edit data label text in Excel for the web #FIA
You’ve been asking for more of your favorite Excel features to make their way to the web—and we heard you! We’ve added the ability to edit data label text directly in Excel for the web, a feature that was previously only available on Windows.
Now you can customize chart labels on the fly—whether you're clarifying a data point or adding context—without switching platforms. Try it now in Excel for the web.
Check if a specific feature is in your version of ExcelClick here to open in a new browser tab
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Many of these features are the result of your feedback. THANK YOU! Your continued Feedback in Action (#FIA) helps improve Excel for everyone. Please let us know how you like a particular feature and what we can improve upon—"Give a compliment" or "Make a suggestion".. You can also submit new ideas or vote for other ideas via Microsoft Feedback.
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Special thanks to our Excel MVPs David Benaim, Bill Jelen, Alan Murray, and John Michaloudis for their contribution to this month's What's New in Excel article. David publishes weekly YouTube videos and regular LinkedIn posts about the latest innovations in Excel and more. Bill is the founder and host of MrExcel.com and the author of several books about Excel. Alan is an Excel trainer, author and speaker, best known for his blog computergaga.com and YouTube channel with the same name. John is the Founder & Chief Inspirational Officer at MyExcelOnline.com where he passionately teaches thousands of professionals how to use Excel to stand out from the crowd.
