Blog Post

Excel Blog
3 MIN READ

Beyond Analysis: Copilot Gets to Work in Excel

Brian Jones (OFFICE)'s avatar
Oct 12, 2026

Excel has always been where work gets done.

The best outcomes in Excel rarely come from a single analysis. They come from bringing in the right data, preparing it with confidence, applying the processes you trust, and turning the result into something others can understand and act on.

Now, Copilot can help take on more of that work for you. From preparing the data and learning the repeatable processes behind your work to transforming the results into polished, connected experiences for your audience.

From data to something beautiful

With a simple prompt, Copilot can transform your workbook data into a polished, interactive canvas.

Whether you're creating executive reviews, project updates, status reports, or something entirely new, this helps turn workbook data into a dynamic experience tailored to your audience.

Since it stays connected to your workbook, it automatically updates as your data changes. If you want to modify the report, just ask Copilot. Refine the layout, surface a different insight, or tailor the story for your audience through conversation.

It’s a faster, more engaging way to share the insights in your data and help others act on them.

Teach Excel to work like you do

The final report is only part of the story. Behind every insight is a process. The approach you've refined through experience. The work that happens every week, month, and quarter before the final answer is ready.

You know that process best. Now, you can teach it to Copilot through conversation or demonstration.

Tell Copilot: With skill builder*, you can tell Copilot exactly what you want done. Share your preferred workflow, instructions, previous prompts, or examples of completed work, and Copilot can turn that knowledge into a reusable skill.


Show Copilot
: Sometimes it's easier to demonstrate than explain. With skill recorder*, you can show Copilot how you complete a recurring task. As you perform the work, Copilot observes the process and turns those actions into a reusable skill.

Whether you show it or tell it, Copilot helps transform your expertise into a skill that can be used again and again. The next time that work comes around, Copilot is ready.

Less manual preparation, more progress

Great analysis starts with data you can trust.

Get the data you need: Skip the complexity of building Power Query queries yourself. With get data, this becomes a conversational experience. Simply describe the data you need, where to pull it from, and how it should be shaped, and let Copilot do the work.

Clean the data you have: Real-world data isn't always analysis-ready. Sometimes "USA," "US," and "United States" all appear in the same column. Sometimes data types are incorrect, formatting is inconsistent, or duplicate records slip through. With clean data, Copilot can identify potential issues, explain what it found, and recommend corrections before you begin your analysis.

Less time searching for data. Less time cleaning it up. More time putting it to work.

A more capable partner for your work

Together, these experiences help you spend less time on repetitive work and more time moving work forward.

Bring in data. Prepare it for analysis. Teach Copilot the processes you repeat. Create reports that stay connected to your latest information.

Because the future of Excel isn't just helping you analyze data. It's helping you spend less time doing the work and more time focused on the decisions.

Availability

  • Interactive canvas is currently available in Insiders.
  • Skill builder began rolling out to general availability this month.
  • Skill recorder will be available in Insiders by the end of October.
  • Get data will roll out to general availability mid-October. This can be accessed via the web app.
  • Clean data began rolling out to general availability this month.

 

*This feature is subject to service capacity and usage limits, which may vary over time.

 

Updated Oct 16, 2026
Version 4.0

3 Comments

  • VC_EG's avatar
    VC_EG
    Copper Contributor

    How is clean data different than Copilot's capabilities of cleaning data before? For skill builder it says "This feature is subject to service capacity and usage limits, which may vary over time." - does this mean we need to have usage based pricing enabled in our license or cowork turned on?

  • Really love the "Skill Recorder" feature.👍

  • symoiz's avatar
    symoiz
    Brass Contributor

    The real value of AI in Excel is not just generating analysis, but helping users move from raw data to reliable decisions. Combining data preparation, formula validation, and transparent explanations could make AI-assisted workflows much more useful for everyday business reporting.