Microsoft Kills Excel COPILOT Function After Nearly a Year
Microsoft is ending its preview of Excel's COPILOT function after nearly a year. This means users will no longer be able to create new formulas using this feature, which was launched in August 2025 for Frontier and Insider program members.
The COPILOT function allowed users to input natural language prompts into spreadsheets, summarizing text or categorizing feedback, among other tasks. However, Microsoft had previously warned that it should not be used for numerical calculations, responses requiring context from other parts of a workbook, or any tasks with 'legal, regulatory, or compliance implications'. These restrictions were likely too limiting for many users.
Users will still have access to Copilot through the side pane in Excel. This change is part of Microsoft's broader effort to streamline the Copilot experience and provide AI assistance through a supported interface.