Microsoft has launched AI agents for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, available for business and individual subscribers. The announcement was made on Monday, and the agents are now accessible on the web, with plans to expand to desktop.
Microsoft 365 users seeking assistance in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint can now utilize AI agents. These new capabilities allow users with limited programming knowledge to leverage AI for app development within Microsoft 365.
For business users, a Microsoft 365 Copilot business subscription is required, typically costing $30 per user per month. Individual users can opt for a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal plan.
Agent Mode in Excel
The Excel agent offers advanced analytical and modeling techniques. Users can prompt the AI to generate content, analyze data, and create visualizations.
For example, users can ask the AI to “Run a full analysis on this sales data set. I want to understand some important insights to help me make decisions about my business. Make it visual.”
In response, the agent determines which formulas to use, creates necessary sheets, and generates data visualizations, summarizing key insights along the way.
Agent Mode in Excel is available via the Frontier program for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users and Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscribers. It currently works on the web, with desktop support coming soon.
Agent Mode in Word
Word is generally more user-friendly, but many users may not utilize its advanced features. The AI can assist in writing content and suggesting refinements based on user commands.
For instance, a user might prompt the AI with: “Help me update this monthly report for September. Update the data table with the latest numbers from the ‘Sept Data Pull’ email.”
Agent Mode in Word is rolling out through the Frontier program for Microsoft 365 Copilot-licensed customers and Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscribers. Currently, it is accessible only on the web.
Office Agent in Copilot Chat
The Office Agent in Copilot Chat assists users with Word documents and PowerPoint presentations. This agent enables the creation of organized slides and well-researched documents.
For example, a user could prompt the AI: “I need to create a set of slides to share with my employees to encourage them to actively fund their retirement accounts.”
Office Agent is available through the Frontier program for Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscribers in the US. It currently supports English and is accessible via Microsoft 365 Copilot on the web.
