Microsoft Excel Launches AI-Powered ‘COPILOT’ Function
Microsoft Excel has initiated the rollout of a new AI-enabled function named ‘COPILOT’, designed to automatically fill cells in spreadsheets based on user input. This innovative feature is reminiscent of the one Google Sheets introduced earlier this year, aimed at enhancing productivity and data management capabilities, reports 24brussels.
The ‘COPILOT’ function allows users to input natural language prompts to instruct the AI on how to handle specific datasets. For instance, users can easily classify customer feedback on a product using a simple formula: “=COPILOT(“Classify this feedback”, D4:D18).” This functionality signifies a major leap in leveraging artificial intelligence for practical applications within spreadsheets.
Other examples of the COPILOT function’s capabilities include generating product descriptions and summarizing user feedback with ease. Users can utilize formulas such as: “=COPILOT(“Create a description for this product based on its specs”, B2:B8)” and “=COPILOT(“Summarize this feedback”, A2:A20).” Such features demonstrate the function’s versatility and its potential to streamline data analysis processes.
The COPILOT function is powered by OpenAI’s gpt-4.1-mini AI model, succeeding the LABS.GENERATIVEAI function that Microsoft began testing in 2023. Notably, Microsoft assures users that input data for the COPILOT function remains confidential, stating it is never used for AI training purposes.
However, users must be aware of certain limitations with COPILOT. The function cannot access external data beyond the active spreadsheet and is restricted to calculating only 100 functions every ten minutes. Moreover, Microsoft advises against utilizing this AI feature for critical numerical calculations or in “high-stakes scenarios” involving legal or regulatory implications, as errors may occur in the outputs.
The COPILOT function is currently available to users on Windows and Mac platforms in the Beta Channel for those with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Microsoft plans to enhance this feature further with future updates, including potential improvements to the underlying model and expanded web access capabilities.
