Microsoft Copilot expands automation capabilities across Excel and PowerPoint

Microsoft is expanding its Copilot ecosystem with new capabilities for automation and agentic workflows across its productivity suite. In Copilot Studio, users can optimize AI agents to be faster and more cost-effective by providing precise, task-focused instructions and reducing redundant tool calls. This includes utilizing persistent memory and reusable skills to improve efficiency.

Within Microsoft 365, Copilot is enhancing Excel through natural language automation for data cleaning, formula generation, and trend analysis. The introduction of Copilot Cowork provides an agentic workspace capable of executing multi-step tasks across Excel, Word, Teams, and Outlook. This includes an App Builder skill that allows users to transform spreadsheets into interactive applications using low-code platforms like SharePoint or Dataverse.

Additionally, a new skill in PowerPoint enables the creation of interactive, clickable slides from Excel data or existing content. While these features boost engagement, users are advised to manage security and compliance risks, as interactive elements may inherit sensitivity labels and rely on point-in-time data connections.