Microsoft to discontinue Excel's COPILOT function as of September 14

Microsoft confirmed that the COPILOT function, introduced in August 2025 for Beta Channel and later for Frontier users, will be retired on September 14, 2026. The formula allowed direct AI instructions from an Excel cell, but the firm now believes the Copilot side pane provides sufficient functionality. A recent update to the Microsoft 365 roadmap marks the feature as discontinued, cancelling plans for a 2027 general availability.

An official Message Center note said the change streamlines the Copilot experience while preserving AI assistance via the supported pane. Existing spreadsheet users are advised to replace any reliance on the function, as it remained in preview and was never intended for production use. Comparable AI features continue to be offered in the side pane and are also available in competing products such as Google Sheets.