Microsoft is introducing Agent Mode and Office Agent to bring conversational AI into everyday tools like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. These updates mark a major shift in how work gets done across Microsoft 365.
- Excel – Agent Mode speaks Excel. Built to let anyone, not just analysts, hand over spreadsheet work to Copilot. It can model data, pick formulas, build sheets, generate visuals, and even validate results.
- Word – Writing becomes conversation. You describe your intent and Copilot drafts, refines, and formats using native styles. It asks clarifying questions, making document creation feel like co-authoring with a colleague.
- PowerPoint – Chat-first deck creation. Office Agent lets you create and refine slides through natural conversation. It sources visuals, applies templates, and builds presentations ready to share.
- Multi-step orchestration and validation. Agents can now plan, execute, and review their own work, refining outputs automatically until the results meet intent.
- Roll-out. Excel and Word Agent Modes start in early access for web, with wider rollout to desktop later. PowerPoint’s Office Agent is also expanding to selected users.
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These new agentic tools shift the focus from manual creation to guided curation. The real productivity gain comes from how teams steer and review the agent’s work, not just from how fast it produces output.
