Microsoft Excel's Copilot AI Now Automates Spreadsheet Data Entry
Microsoft Excel is experimenting with a new AI-powered function that automatically populates spreadsheet cells, mirroring a feature Google Sheets launched in June. Using the "COPILOT" function followed by a natural language prompt—and optionally specifying reference cells—the AI can categorize data, create summaries, build tables, and perform other tasks.
For instance, if you have a column containing feedback about a coffee machine, the COPILOT function can quickly classify it using AI. You would apply this formula: "=COPILOT("Classify this feedback", D4:D18)," making sure to adjust the cell references according to your Excel sheet. Microsoft Excel will then display AI-generated classifications in each specified cell.

The COPILOT function can quickly classify feedback. GIF: MicrosoftMicrosoft provides the following examples:
- Generate text: =COPILOT("Create a description for this product based on its specs", B2:B8)
- Summarize text: =COPILOT("Summarize this feedback", A2:A20)
The COPILOT function, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4.1-mini AI model, succeeds the LABS.GENERATIVEAI function that Microsoft began testing in 2023.
Microsoft explains that the new AI function can be combined with existing Excel functions, such as IF, SWITCH, LAMBDA, or WRAPROWS. The company also assures users that data processed through the COPILOT function is "never" used for AI training, stating that "input remains confidential and is used solely to generate your requested output."
The COPILOT function has a few limitations: it cannot access information outside the spreadsheet, and usage is capped at 100 function calls per 10 minutes. Microsoft also cautions against relying on it for numerical calculations or in "high-stakes scenarios" involving legal, regulatory, or compliance issues, as COPILOT "can produce incorrect responses."
It is currently rolling out to Beta Channel users on Windows and Mac with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Microsoft intends to enhance the feature by upgrading its underlying model and possibly adding web access support.
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Comments (1)
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Also Excel bekommt jetzt auch KI-Hilfe für Tabellen? Interessant, aber ich frage mich, wie zuverlässig das wirklich ist. Bei komplexen Daten würde ich wahrscheinlich trotzdem lieber selbst nachrechnen, bevor ich mich blind auf die KI verlasse. Die Funktion klingt praktisch für Routineaufgaben, aber der Teufel steckt oft im Detail. Mal sehen, wie sich das in der Praxis bewährt. 🤔
Microsoft Excel is experimenting with a new AI-powered function that automatically populates spreadsheet cells, mirroring a feature Google Sheets launched in June. Using the "COPILOT" function followed by a natural language prompt—and optionally specifying reference cells—the AI can categorize data, create summaries, build tables, and perform other tasks.
For instance, if you have a column containing feedback about a coffee machine, the COPILOT function can quickly classify it using AI. You would apply this formula: "=COPILOT("Classify this feedback", D4:D18)," making sure to adjust the cell references according to your Excel sheet. Microsoft Excel will then display AI-generated classifications in each specified cell.

Microsoft provides the following examples:
- Generate text: =COPILOT("Create a description for this product based on its specs", B2:B8)
- Summarize text: =COPILOT("Summarize this feedback", A2:A20)
The COPILOT function, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4.1-mini AI model, succeeds the LABS.GENERATIVEAI function that Microsoft began testing in 2023.
Microsoft explains that the new AI function can be combined with existing Excel functions, such as IF, SWITCH, LAMBDA, or WRAPROWS. The company also assures users that data processed through the COPILOT function is "never" used for AI training, stating that "input remains confidential and is used solely to generate your requested output."
The COPILOT function has a few limitations: it cannot access information outside the spreadsheet, and usage is capped at 100 function calls per 10 minutes. Microsoft also cautions against relying on it for numerical calculations or in "high-stakes scenarios" involving legal, regulatory, or compliance issues, as COPILOT "can produce incorrect responses."
It is currently rolling out to Beta Channel users on Windows and Mac with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Microsoft intends to enhance the feature by upgrading its underlying model and possibly adding web access support.
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According to Similarweb’s 2026 Generative AI Landscape report, Google’s AI-generated summaries appeared in 43% of US searches, a significant rise from 15% recorded a year prior.While AI Overviews present generated summaries within standard search res
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Before joining Sequoia Capital in 2020 as chief digital and information officer, Avon Puri spent over a decade running infrastructure at Rubrik and VMware. Three years ago, as large language models began showing their true potential, Puri, alongside
Also Excel bekommt jetzt auch KI-Hilfe für Tabellen? Interessant, aber ich frage mich, wie zuverlässig das wirklich ist. Bei komplexen Daten würde ich wahrscheinlich trotzdem lieber selbst nachrechnen, bevor ich mich blind auf die KI verlasse. Die Funktion klingt praktisch für Routineaufgaben, aber der Teufel steckt oft im Detail. Mal sehen, wie sich das in der Praxis bewährt. 🤔





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