Microsoft has released a major update for Excel users in October 2025, introducing “Agent Mode” for the web, dynamic PivotTable #SPILL! management, smarter accessibility tools for Insiders, and Formula by Example for Windows. Here’s what’s new and why Agent Mode in Excel matters for data workers, analysts, and everyday spreadsheet fans.
Agent Mode in Excel: Natural Language Automation Arrives
The headline feature is Agent Mode in Excel (Frontier), now live for Microsoft 365 Copilot-licensed customers and Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, and Premium subscribers on the web. As detailed in this blog post, Agent Mode enables users to describe tasks in plain English—such as “build a quarterly sales report”—and collaborates with you step-by-step to plan, reason, iterate, and validate the outcome. This marks a leap forward for Copilot, letting users automate table creation, charting, PivotTables, and reporting with unprecedented ease. Agent Mode is currently web-only but is coming to desktop soon.
PivotTable #SPILL! for Power Users
Exclusive to Insiders on Windows and Mac, the new PivotTable #SPILL! update brings dynamic array-style error handling to PivotTables. When data expansion is blocked by merged cells, text, or sheet edges, you’ll see a #SPILL! error, making troubleshooting transparent and improving analytic flow.
Accessibility Assistant Advances
Accessibility Assistant for Insider users has been upgraded to reduce false positives and highlight issues that truly impact accessibility. It now prioritizes impactful content and better reflects real accessibility needs, supporting content creators striving for inclusivity in their spreadsheets.
Formula by Example: Smarter Data Entry
Now available in the Excel for Windows Current Channel, Formula by Example scans for data patterns as you enter data. When a pattern is detected, Excel suggests a formula to fill the rest of your column—boosting productivity with fewer clicks and less manual work. This feature, previously web-only, now empowers Windows spreadsheet users as well.
How To Access New Features
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Agent Mode: Available via the Frontier program for Microsoft 365 Copilot users and select consumer subscribers, accessed from the Tools menu in Copilot for Excel on the web.
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PivotTable #SPILL! and Accessibility Assistant: Available for Insider users on Windows and Mac.
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Formula by Example: Live for Windows users on the Current Channel, and remains available on the web.
Feature rollout is based on your Excel version and update channel. Check official guidance or your Excel update panel to confirm availability.
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Microsoft credits Excel’s global fanbase for many of these improvements and encourages continued feedback via Microsoft Feedback channels and social media. The October 2025 update highlights Microsoft’s ongoing drive to make data work smarter, faster, and more inclusive for all.
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