Recently, Microsoft released a major update, announcing the new "Agent Mode" for Excel on the web. This feature is primarily aimed at Microsoft 365 Copilot business users and Premium subscribers. Microsoft stated that this upgrade marks a significant leap in the intelligence of Excel. The AI assistant will no longer be limited to simple question-and-answer interactions but will instead deeply participate in complex table processing, acting like a true digital assistant.

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Compared to traditional AI assistants, "Agent Mode" demonstrates more advanced logical thinking capabilities. Users can interact with the AI through natural language commands, and the AI will be able to autonomously plan, execute, and optimize multi-step complex workflows. This new mode greatly lowers the barrier for users in data processing, allowing the AI to complete a series of tedious operations through simple conversations and updating data in real time.

In terms of features, "Agent Mode" can not only generate a complete workbook from scratch but also perform scenario analysis, build budget models, and automatically detect and fix broken formulas. Additionally, it has the ability to handle large datasets, quickly identify abnormal data, and one-click generate dynamic charts, dashboards, and pivot tables. These generated elements are native Excel components that automatically update as data changes.

Microsoft emphasized that this update provides AI transparency and explainability in high-precision scenarios such as financial modeling and predictive analysis. Users not only see the final results but can also thoroughly review how the AI understands the instructions and the reasoning logic behind each step.

"Agent Mode" is now available on Excel on the web and supports multiple languages including English, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, French, and German. According to Microsoft's plan, this feature will be expanded to Windows and Mac desktop clients in January next year, and individual and family users of Microsoft 365 will also gain access.

Key Points:   

📝   "Agent Mode" makes Excel a smarter digital assistant, improving data processing efficiency.   

📊   AI can independently handle complex workflows and update spreadsheet data in real time.   

🔍   Provides AI transparency, allowing users to understand the AI's decision-making process and reasoning logic in detail.