Table of Contents
Here’s the latest Excel news from the tech world and Microsoft’s own announcements — covering updates, features, community events, and ecosystem changes:
Major Excel Feature Updates (2026)
AI-Powered Agent Mode now widely available — Microsoft has rolled out Agent Mode in Excel as part of Microsoft 365 Copilot, bringing advanced AI assistance directly into spreadsheets. This feature helps automate multi-step workflows, interact with Excel using natural language, and even fix broken formulas while reducing manual steps. Support is being expanded across Windows and macOS for Microsoft 365 subscribers.
January 2026 Excel update — Microsoft’s January update focuses on deeper Copilot integration, automation improvements, smarter data imports, and enhanced Power Query capabilities across Excel on Windows, Mac, and the web.
Community & Culture
Excel Collegiate Challenge grows — Competitive Excel is gaining attention: the Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge (MECC) was held in Las Vegas, attracting teams and individual competitors from around the world solving complex Excel problems under time pressure.
Broader Microsoft 365 Context
Microsoft 365 capabilities expanding — Microsoft confirmed expanded AI, security, and management features across its 365 suite in 2026, which indirectly affects tools like Excel by improving collaboration, compliance, and automation.
Quality-of-life improvements continue — Recent Excel updates include bug fixes and enhancements that improve overall reliability and performance for everyday use.
Trends and Features from Microsoft’s Community Updates
Recent Microsoft Excel blog summaries also highlight ongoing enhancements, including:
- Python in Excel — Python formula support is rolling out more broadly, letting users combine Python and spreadsheet calculations.
- New functions & data tools — Excel has introduced new TRIMRANGE and other text functions, as well as extended features for iOS and web users.
- Power Query refresh available on web — Data extraction and transformation capabilities continue to improve across platforms.
- Feature retirements — Older capabilities like certain organization data types have been phased out to make way for more modern integrations.
What This Means for Excel Users
- AI-assisted workflows are now a core focus, helping users do more with natural language and multi-step automation.
- Cross-platform features ensure Excel stays powerful on Windows, Mac, and the web.
- Community and competitive events reflect Excel’s importance as both a professional and skill-based tool.
- Integration with Python and advanced data tooling signals Excel’s evolution beyond traditional spreadsheet tasks.
If you’d like weekly summaries of Excel feature updates or breakdowns of the newest AI and data analysis functions, feel free to ask!