Updated
Updated · Computerworld · Jun 27
Microsoft Adds $30-a-Month Excel Copilot Skills and Plan Mode for AI Oversight
Updated
Updated · Computerworld · Jun 27

Microsoft Adds $30-a-Month Excel Copilot Skills and Plan Mode for AI Oversight

3 articles · Updated · Computerworld · Jun 27

Summary

  • Microsoft unveiled new Excel Copilot skills that let users automate repeatable finance tasks such as discounted cash-flow models, variance analysis and monthly reporting workflows.
  • A new plan mode adds oversight by having Copilot draft its intended spreadsheet actions first, then ask users to approve, edit or clarify before it changes formulas or data.
  • Custom skills are available now through the Insider channel and move to general availability next month; prebuilt finance skills can be stored in OneDrive as SKILL.md files for reuse.
  • Copilot also now connects Excel to third-party data sources including Moody’s, CB Insights, Morningstar and PitchBook, while partners such as LSEG, Ramp and Velixo are building additional skills.
  • The features are rolling out progressively to paid Microsoft 365 Copilot users, priced at $30 per user monthly for larger customers or $21 for businesses with fewer than 300 employees.

Insights

Is Copilot's 'agentic AI' a financial modeling revolution, or just a smarter version of Excel's old macros?
As EU AI regulations loom, is Copilot's human-approval feature enough to ensure auditable compliance and avoid massive fines?