(Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot | Reference an Excel file when creating a slide with PowerPoint

Message Center ID: MC1130389
Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365)
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Summary

The capability for Microsoft 365 Copilot in PowerPoint to reference Excel files when creating slides has been cancelled for now but will return in future updates. It required a Copilot add-on license, worked with Excel files in OneDrive/SharePoint, and needed no admin action.

Details

Updated November 11, 2025: This capability has been cancelled for now. We recognize its importance and plan to reintroduce it as part of upcoming Copilot enhancements in PowerPoint at a later time. No admin action needed.

We’re introducing a new capability in Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint that allows users to reference Excel files when creating a slide. This enhancement helps users seamlessly reuse data from Excel to generate more informative and data-driven presentations.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap IDs 497537497538, and 497539.

When this will happen

General Availability (Worldwide): This capability has been cancelled for now.

How this will affect your organization

With this update, users can now reference an Excel file when selecting "New Slide with Copilot" from the PowerPoint ribbon or "Add a slide" from the Copilot button above the slide. This enables more efficient content creation by leveraging existing Excel data directly within PowerPoint.

Key details:

  • Users can reference one Excel file at a time when creating a slide.
  • The Excel file must be stored in OneDrive or SharePoint.
  • Recommended file size for optimal performance is 24MB.
  • Users can include a topic in their prompt to focus the slide content.
  • Copilot can generate slides that include charts or tables based on the Excel data.
  • This feature is available on web, Win32, and Mac platforms. There are no browser-specific limitations.

This feature is on by default and does not require admin configuration.

What you need to do to prepare

  • This feature requires the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on license. It is not included in standard Microsoft 365 SKUs (e.g., E3/E5).
  • Available only to tenants with Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plus the Copilot license.
  • There are no admin controls to enable, disable, or scope this feature.
  • Users can reference a file by clicking the paperclip icon or typing a backslash to select a file.
  • Only one file can be referenced per slide. The file must be an Excel format and stored in OneDrive and SharePoint.

No admin action is required for this feature to become available. We recommend informing your users so they can take advantage of this new capability.

Learn more: Reinvent productivity with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Compliance considerations

Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?Yes, because Copilot is now accessing and referencing Excel file content to generate PowerPoint slides, which may involve processing customer data in new ways.
Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes, this is a new Copilot capability that uses generative AI to interact with Excel data and generate slide content.
Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI? Yes, users can now prompt Copilot to generate a slide using an Excel file reference, which is a new interaction pattern.

Change History

November 11, 2025 at 10:30 PM Updated
Summary
Previous
Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint will allow users to reference one Excel file stored in OneDrive or SharePoint when creating slides, enabling data-driven presentations with charts or tables. This feature requires a Copilot add-on license, is on by default, and will roll out worldwide from late November to mid-December 2025.
New
The capability for Microsoft 365 Copilot in PowerPoint to reference Excel files when creating slides has been cancelled for now but will return in future updates. It required a Copilot add-on license, worked with Excel files in OneDrive/SharePoint, and needed no admin action.
Last Updated Date
Previous
2025-09-10T15:17:25.307Z
New
2025-11-11T20:07:22.630Z
Body Content
Previous

Updated September 10, 2025: We have updated the content below to show as intended. Thank you for your patience.

We’re introducing a new capability in Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint that allows users to reference Excel files when creating a slide. This enhancement helps users seamlessly reuse data from Excel to generate more informative and data-driven presentations.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap IDs 497537497538, and 497539.

When this will happen

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late November 2025 (previously late August) and expect to complete by mid-December 2025 (previously late September).

How this will affect your organization

With this update, users can now reference an Excel file when selecting "New Slide with Copilot" from the PowerPoint ribbon or "Add a slide" from the Copilot button above the slide. This enables more efficient content creation by leveraging existing Excel data directly within PowerPoint.

Key details:

  • Users can reference one Excel file at a time when creating a slide.
  • The Excel file must be stored in OneDrive or SharePoint.
  • Recommended file size for optimal performance is 24MB.
  • Users can include a topic in their prompt to focus the slide content.
  • Copilot can generate slides that include charts or tables based on the Excel data.
  • This feature is available on web, Win32, and Mac platforms. There are no browser-specific limitations.

This feature is on by default and does not require admin configuration.

What you need to do to prepare

  • This feature requires the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on license. It is not included in standard Microsoft 365 SKUs (e.g., E3/E5).
  • Available only to tenants with Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plus the Copilot license.
  • There are no admin controls to enable, disable, or scope this feature.
  • Users can reference a file by clicking the paperclip icon or typing a backslash to select a file.
  • Only one file can be referenced per slide. The file must be an Excel format and stored in OneDrive and SharePoint.

No admin action is required for this feature to become available. We recommend informing your users so they can take advantage of this new capability.

Learn more: Reinvent productivity with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Compliance considerations

Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?Yes, because Copilot is now accessing and referencing Excel file content to generate PowerPoint slides, which may involve processing customer data in new ways.
Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes, this is a new Copilot capability that uses generative AI to interact with Excel data and generate slide content.
Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI? Yes, users can now prompt Copilot to generate a slide using an Excel file reference, which is a new interaction pattern.
New

Updated November 11, 2025: This capability has been cancelled for now. We recognize its importance and plan to reintroduce it as part of upcoming Copilot enhancements in PowerPoint at a later time. No admin action needed.

We’re introducing a new capability in Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint that allows users to reference Excel files when creating a slide. This enhancement helps users seamlessly reuse data from Excel to generate more informative and data-driven presentations.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap IDs 497537497538, and 497539.

When this will happen

General Availability (Worldwide): This capability has been cancelled for now.

How this will affect your organization

With this update, users can now reference an Excel file when selecting "New Slide with Copilot" from the PowerPoint ribbon or "Add a slide" from the Copilot button above the slide. This enables more efficient content creation by leveraging existing Excel data directly within PowerPoint.

Key details:

  • Users can reference one Excel file at a time when creating a slide.
  • The Excel file must be stored in OneDrive or SharePoint.
  • Recommended file size for optimal performance is 24MB.
  • Users can include a topic in their prompt to focus the slide content.
  • Copilot can generate slides that include charts or tables based on the Excel data.
  • This feature is available on web, Win32, and Mac platforms. There are no browser-specific limitations.

This feature is on by default and does not require admin configuration.

What you need to do to prepare

  • This feature requires the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on license. It is not included in standard Microsoft 365 SKUs (e.g., E3/E5).
  • Available only to tenants with Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plus the Copilot license.
  • There are no admin controls to enable, disable, or scope this feature.
  • Users can reference a file by clicking the paperclip icon or typing a backslash to select a file.
  • Only one file can be referenced per slide. The file must be an Excel format and stored in OneDrive and SharePoint.

No admin action is required for this feature to become available. We recommend informing your users so they can take advantage of this new capability.

Learn more: Reinvent productivity with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Compliance considerations

Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?Yes, because Copilot is now accessing and referencing Excel file content to generate PowerPoint slides, which may involve processing customer data in new ways.
Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes, this is a new Copilot capability that uses generative AI to interact with Excel data and generate slide content.
Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI? Yes, users can now prompt Copilot to generate a slide using an Excel file reference, which is a new interaction pattern.
September 10, 2025 at 4:30 PM Updated
Summary
Previous
Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint will allow users to reference one Excel file stored in OneDrive or SharePoint when creating slides, enabling data-driven presentations with charts or tables. This feature, requiring a Copilot add-on license, will roll out worldwide from late November to mid-December 2025.
New
Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint will allow users to reference one Excel file stored in OneDrive or SharePoint when creating slides, enabling data-driven presentations with charts or tables. This feature requires a Copilot add-on license, is on by default, and will roll out worldwide from late November to mid-December 2025.
Last Updated Date
Previous
2025-09-09T20:07:29.207Z
New
2025-09-10T15:17:25.307Z
Body Content
Previous

Updated September 9, 2025: We have updated the content below to show as intended. Thank you for your patience.

We’re introducing a new capability in Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint that allows users to reference Excel files when creating a slide. This enhancement helps users seamlessly reuse data from Excel to generate more informative and data-driven presentations.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap IDs 497537497538, and 497539.

When this will happen

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late November 2025 (previously late August) and expect to complete by mid-December 2025 (previously late September).

How this will affect your organization

With this update, users can now reference an Excel file when selecting "New Slide with Copilot" from the PowerPoint ribbon or "Add a slide" from the Copilot button above the slide. This enables more efficient content creation by leveraging existing Excel data directly within PowerPoint.

Key details:

  • Users can reference one Excel file at a time when creating a slide.
  • The Excel file must be stored in OneDrive or SharePoint.
  • Recommended file size for optimal performance is 24MB.
  • Users can include a topic in their prompt to focus the slide content.
  • Copilot can generate slides that include charts or tables based on the Excel data.
  • This feature is available on web, Win32, and Mac platforms. There are no browser-specific limitations.

This feature is on by default and does not require admin configuration.

What you need to do to prepare

  • This feature requires the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on license. It is not included in standard Microsoft 365 SKUs (e.g., E3/E5).
  • Available only to tenants with Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plus the Copilot license.
  • There are no admin controls to enable, disable, or scope this feature.
  • Users can reference a file by clicking the paperclip icon or typing a backslash to select a file.
  • Only one file can be referenced per slide. The file must be an Excel format and stored in OneDrive.

No admin action is required for this feature to become available. We recommend informing your users so they can take advantage of this new capability.

Learn more: Reinvent productivity with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Compliance considerations

Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?Yes, because Copilot is now accessing and referencing Excel file content to generate PowerPoint slides, which may involve processing customer data in new ways.
Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes, this is a new Copilot capability that uses generative AI to interact with Excel data and generate slide content.
Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI? Yes, users can now prompt Copilot to generate a slide using an Excel file reference, which is a new interaction pattern.
New

Updated September 10, 2025: We have updated the content below to show as intended. Thank you for your patience.

We’re introducing a new capability in Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint that allows users to reference Excel files when creating a slide. This enhancement helps users seamlessly reuse data from Excel to generate more informative and data-driven presentations.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap IDs 497537497538, and 497539.

When this will happen

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late November 2025 (previously late August) and expect to complete by mid-December 2025 (previously late September).

How this will affect your organization

With this update, users can now reference an Excel file when selecting "New Slide with Copilot" from the PowerPoint ribbon or "Add a slide" from the Copilot button above the slide. This enables more efficient content creation by leveraging existing Excel data directly within PowerPoint.

Key details:

  • Users can reference one Excel file at a time when creating a slide.
  • The Excel file must be stored in OneDrive or SharePoint.
  • Recommended file size for optimal performance is 24MB.
  • Users can include a topic in their prompt to focus the slide content.
  • Copilot can generate slides that include charts or tables based on the Excel data.
  • This feature is available on web, Win32, and Mac platforms. There are no browser-specific limitations.

This feature is on by default and does not require admin configuration.

What you need to do to prepare

  • This feature requires the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on license. It is not included in standard Microsoft 365 SKUs (e.g., E3/E5).
  • Available only to tenants with Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plus the Copilot license.
  • There are no admin controls to enable, disable, or scope this feature.
  • Users can reference a file by clicking the paperclip icon or typing a backslash to select a file.
  • Only one file can be referenced per slide. The file must be an Excel format and stored in OneDrive and SharePoint.

No admin action is required for this feature to become available. We recommend informing your users so they can take advantage of this new capability.

Learn more: Reinvent productivity with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Compliance considerations

Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?Yes, because Copilot is now accessing and referencing Excel file content to generate PowerPoint slides, which may involve processing customer data in new ways.
Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes, this is a new Copilot capability that uses generative AI to interact with Excel data and generate slide content.
Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI? Yes, users can now prompt Copilot to generate a slide using an Excel file reference, which is a new interaction pattern.
September 9, 2025 at 10:30 PM Updated
Last Updated Date
Previous
2025-09-09T20:04:52.393Z
New
2025-09-09T20:07:29.207Z
Body Content
Previous

Updated September 4, 2025: We have updated the content below to show as intended. Thank you for your patience.

We’re introducing a new capability in Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint that allows users to reference Excel files when creating a slide. This enhancement helps users seamlessly reuse data from Excel to generate more informative and data-driven presentations.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap IDs 497537497538, and 497539.

When this will happen

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late November 2025 (previously late August) and expect to complete by mid-December 2025 (previously late September).

How this will affect your organization

With this update, users can now reference an Excel file when selecting "New Slide with Copilot" from the PowerPoint ribbon or "Add a slide" from the Copilot button above the slide. This enables more efficient content creation by leveraging existing Excel data directly within PowerPoint.

Key details:

  • Users can reference one Excel file at a time when creating a slide.
  • The Excel file must be stored in OneDrive or SharePoint.
  • Recommended file size for optimal performance is 24MB.
  • Users can include a topic in their prompt to focus the slide content.
  • Copilot can generate slides that include charts or tables based on the Excel data.
  • This feature is available on web, Win32, and Mac platforms. There are no browser-specific limitations.

This feature is on by default and does not require admin configuration.

What you need to do to prepare

  • This feature requires the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on license. It is not included in standard Microsoft 365 SKUs (e.g., E3/E5).
  • Available only to tenants with Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plus the Copilot license.
  • There are no admin controls to enable, disable, or scope this feature.
  • Users can reference a file by clicking the paperclip icon or typing a backslash to select a file.
  • Only one file can be referenced per slide. The file must be an Excel format and stored in OneDrive.

No admin action is required for this feature to become available. We recommend informing your users so they can take advantage of this new capability.

Learn more: Reinvent productivity with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Compliance considerations

Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?Yes, because Copilot is now accessing and referencing Excel file content to generate PowerPoint slides, which may involve processing customer data in new ways.
Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes, this is a new Copilot capability that uses generative AI to interact with Excel data and generate slide content.
Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI? Yes, users can now prompt Copilot to generate a slide using an Excel file reference, which is a new interaction pattern.
New

Updated September 9, 2025: We have updated the content below to show as intended. Thank you for your patience.

We’re introducing a new capability in Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint that allows users to reference Excel files when creating a slide. This enhancement helps users seamlessly reuse data from Excel to generate more informative and data-driven presentations.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap IDs 497537497538, and 497539.

When this will happen

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late November 2025 (previously late August) and expect to complete by mid-December 2025 (previously late September).

How this will affect your organization

With this update, users can now reference an Excel file when selecting "New Slide with Copilot" from the PowerPoint ribbon or "Add a slide" from the Copilot button above the slide. This enables more efficient content creation by leveraging existing Excel data directly within PowerPoint.

Key details:

  • Users can reference one Excel file at a time when creating a slide.
  • The Excel file must be stored in OneDrive or SharePoint.
  • Recommended file size for optimal performance is 24MB.
  • Users can include a topic in their prompt to focus the slide content.
  • Copilot can generate slides that include charts or tables based on the Excel data.
  • This feature is available on web, Win32, and Mac platforms. There are no browser-specific limitations.

This feature is on by default and does not require admin configuration.

What you need to do to prepare

  • This feature requires the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on license. It is not included in standard Microsoft 365 SKUs (e.g., E3/E5).
  • Available only to tenants with Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plus the Copilot license.
  • There are no admin controls to enable, disable, or scope this feature.
  • Users can reference a file by clicking the paperclip icon or typing a backslash to select a file.
  • Only one file can be referenced per slide. The file must be an Excel format and stored in OneDrive.

No admin action is required for this feature to become available. We recommend informing your users so they can take advantage of this new capability.

Learn more: Reinvent productivity with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Compliance considerations

Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?Yes, because Copilot is now accessing and referencing Excel file content to generate PowerPoint slides, which may involve processing customer data in new ways.
Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes, this is a new Copilot capability that uses generative AI to interact with Excel data and generate slide content.
Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI? Yes, users can now prompt Copilot to generate a slide using an Excel file reference, which is a new interaction pattern.
September 9, 2025 at 8:30 PM Updated
Summary
Previous
Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint now lets users reference one Excel file stored in OneDrive to create data-driven slides with charts or tables. Rolling out late November to mid-December 2025, it requires a Copilot add-on license and works on web, Win32, and Mac without admin setup.
New
Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint will allow users to reference one Excel file stored in OneDrive or SharePoint when creating slides, enabling data-driven presentations with charts or tables. This feature, requiring a Copilot add-on license, will roll out worldwide from late November to mid-December 2025.
Last Updated Date
Previous
2025-08-21T20:56:03.813Z
New
2025-09-09T20:04:52.393Z
Body Content
Previous

Updated August 19, 2025: We have updated the content below to show as intended. Thank you for your patience.

We’re introducing a new capability in Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint that allows users to reference Excel files when creating a slide. This enhancement helps users seamlessly reuse data from Excel to generate more informative and data-driven presentations.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap IDs 497537497538, and 497539.

When this will happen

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late November 2025 (previously late August) and expect to complete by mid-December 2025 (previously late September).

How this will affect your organization

With this update, users can now reference an Excel file when selecting "New Slide with Copilot" from the PowerPoint ribbon or "Add a slide" from the Copilot button above the slide. This enables more efficient content creation by leveraging existing Excel data directly within PowerPoint.

Key details:

  • Users can reference one Excel file at a time when creating a slide.
  • The Excel file must be stored in OneDrive.
  • Recommended file size for optimal performance is 24MB.
  • Users can include a topic in their prompt to focus the slide content.
  • Copilot can generate slides that include charts or tables based on the Excel data.
  • This feature is available on web, Win32, and Mac platforms. There are no browser-specific limitations.

This feature is on by default and does not require admin configuration.

What you need to do to prepare

  • This feature requires the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on license. It is not included in standard Microsoft 365 SKUs (e.g., E3/E5).
  • Available only to tenants with Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plus the Copilot license.
  • There are no admin controls to enable, disable, or scope this feature.
  • Users can reference a file by clicking the paperclip icon or typing a backslash to select a file.
  • Only one file can be referenced per slide. The file must be an Excel format and stored in OneDrive.

No admin action is required for this feature to become available. We recommend informing your users so they can take advantage of this new capability.

Learn more: Reinvent productivity with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Compliance considerations

Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?Yes, because Copilot is now accessing and referencing Excel file content to generate PowerPoint slides, which may involve processing customer data in new ways.
Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes, this is a new Copilot capability that uses generative AI to interact with Excel data and generate slide content.
Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI? Yes, users can now prompt Copilot to generate a slide using an Excel file reference, which is a new interaction pattern.
New

Updated September 4, 2025: We have updated the content below to show as intended. Thank you for your patience.

We’re introducing a new capability in Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint that allows users to reference Excel files when creating a slide. This enhancement helps users seamlessly reuse data from Excel to generate more informative and data-driven presentations.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap IDs 497537497538, and 497539.

When this will happen

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late November 2025 (previously late August) and expect to complete by mid-December 2025 (previously late September).

How this will affect your organization

With this update, users can now reference an Excel file when selecting "New Slide with Copilot" from the PowerPoint ribbon or "Add a slide" from the Copilot button above the slide. This enables more efficient content creation by leveraging existing Excel data directly within PowerPoint.

Key details:

  • Users can reference one Excel file at a time when creating a slide.
  • The Excel file must be stored in OneDrive or SharePoint.
  • Recommended file size for optimal performance is 24MB.
  • Users can include a topic in their prompt to focus the slide content.
  • Copilot can generate slides that include charts or tables based on the Excel data.
  • This feature is available on web, Win32, and Mac platforms. There are no browser-specific limitations.

This feature is on by default and does not require admin configuration.

What you need to do to prepare

  • This feature requires the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on license. It is not included in standard Microsoft 365 SKUs (e.g., E3/E5).
  • Available only to tenants with Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plus the Copilot license.
  • There are no admin controls to enable, disable, or scope this feature.
  • Users can reference a file by clicking the paperclip icon or typing a backslash to select a file.
  • Only one file can be referenced per slide. The file must be an Excel format and stored in OneDrive.

No admin action is required for this feature to become available. We recommend informing your users so they can take advantage of this new capability.

Learn more: Reinvent productivity with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Compliance considerations

Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?Yes, because Copilot is now accessing and referencing Excel file content to generate PowerPoint slides, which may involve processing customer data in new ways.
Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes, this is a new Copilot capability that uses generative AI to interact with Excel data and generate slide content.
Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI? Yes, users can now prompt Copilot to generate a slide using an Excel file reference, which is a new interaction pattern.
August 21, 2025 at 10:30 PM Updated
Last Updated Date
Previous
2025-08-19T16:04:48.287Z
New
2025-08-21T20:56:03.813Z
August 19, 2025 at 4:30 PM Updated
Summary
Previous
Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint will allow users to reference one Excel file stored in OneDrive when creating slides, enabling data-driven presentations with charts or tables. Rolling out August–September 2025, it requires a Copilot add-on license and works on web, Win32, and Mac platforms without admin setup.
New
Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint now lets users reference one Excel file stored in OneDrive to create data-driven slides with charts or tables. Rolling out late November to mid-December 2025, it requires a Copilot add-on license and works on web, Win32, and Mac without admin setup.
Last Updated Date
Previous
2025-08-13T19:59:28.167Z
New
2025-08-19T16:04:48.287Z
Body Content
Previous

Updated August 13, 2025: We have updated the content below to show as intended. Thank you for your patience.

We’re introducing a new capability in Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint that allows users to reference Excel files when creating a slide. This enhancement helps users seamlessly reuse data from Excel to generate more informative and data-driven presentations.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap IDs 497537497538, and 497539.

When this will happen

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in early August 2025 and expect to complete by late September 2025.

How this will affect your organization

With this update, users can now reference an Excel file when selecting "New Slide with Copilot" from the PowerPoint ribbon or "Add a slide" from the Copilot button above the slide. This enables more efficient content creation by leveraging existing Excel data directly within PowerPoint.

Key details:

  • Users can reference one Excel file at a time when creating a slide.
  • The Excel file must be stored in OneDrive.
  • Recommended file size for optimal performance is 24MB.
  • Users can include a topic in their prompt to focus the slide content.
  • Copilot can generate slides that include charts or tables based on the Excel data.
  • This feature is available on web, Win32, and Mac platforms. There are no browser-specific limitations.

This feature is on by default and does not require admin configuration.

What you need to do to prepare

  • This feature requires the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on license. It is not included in standard Microsoft 365 SKUs (e.g., E3/E5).
  • Available only to tenants with Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plus the Copilot license.
  • There are no admin controls to enable, disable, or scope this feature.
  • Users can reference a file by clicking the paperclip icon or typing a backslash to select a file.
  • Only one file can be referenced per slide. The file must be an Excel format and stored in OneDrive.

No admin action is required for this feature to become available. We recommend informing your users so they can take advantage of this new capability.

Learn more: Reinvent productivity with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Compliance considerations

Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?Yes, because Copilot is now accessing and referencing Excel file content to generate PowerPoint slides, which may involve processing customer data in new ways.
Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes, this is a new Copilot capability that uses generative AI to interact with Excel data and generate slide content.
Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI? Yes, users can now prompt Copilot to generate a slide using an Excel file reference, which is a new interaction pattern.
New

Updated August 19, 2025: We have updated the content below to show as intended. Thank you for your patience.

We’re introducing a new capability in Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint that allows users to reference Excel files when creating a slide. This enhancement helps users seamlessly reuse data from Excel to generate more informative and data-driven presentations.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap IDs 497537497538, and 497539.

When this will happen

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late November 2025 (previously late August) and expect to complete by mid-December 2025 (previously late September).

How this will affect your organization

With this update, users can now reference an Excel file when selecting "New Slide with Copilot" from the PowerPoint ribbon or "Add a slide" from the Copilot button above the slide. This enables more efficient content creation by leveraging existing Excel data directly within PowerPoint.

Key details:

  • Users can reference one Excel file at a time when creating a slide.
  • The Excel file must be stored in OneDrive.
  • Recommended file size for optimal performance is 24MB.
  • Users can include a topic in their prompt to focus the slide content.
  • Copilot can generate slides that include charts or tables based on the Excel data.
  • This feature is available on web, Win32, and Mac platforms. There are no browser-specific limitations.

This feature is on by default and does not require admin configuration.

What you need to do to prepare

  • This feature requires the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on license. It is not included in standard Microsoft 365 SKUs (e.g., E3/E5).
  • Available only to tenants with Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plus the Copilot license.
  • There are no admin controls to enable, disable, or scope this feature.
  • Users can reference a file by clicking the paperclip icon or typing a backslash to select a file.
  • Only one file can be referenced per slide. The file must be an Excel format and stored in OneDrive.

No admin action is required for this feature to become available. We recommend informing your users so they can take advantage of this new capability.

Learn more: Reinvent productivity with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Compliance considerations

Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?Yes, because Copilot is now accessing and referencing Excel file content to generate PowerPoint slides, which may involve processing customer data in new ways.
Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes, this is a new Copilot capability that uses generative AI to interact with Excel data and generate slide content.
Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI? Yes, users can now prompt Copilot to generate a slide using an Excel file reference, which is a new interaction pattern.
August 13, 2025 at 8:30 PM Updated
Title
Previous
Microsoft 365 Copilot | Reference an Excel file when creating a slide with PowerPoint
New
(Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot | Reference an Excel file when creating a slide with PowerPoint
Last Updated Date
Previous
2025-08-06T23:32:48.517Z
New
2025-08-13T19:59:28.167Z
Tags
Previous
New feature,User impact,Admin impact
New
Updated message,New feature,User impact,Admin impact
Body Content
Previous

Introduction

We’re introducing a new capability in Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint that allows users to reference Excel files when creating a slide. This enhancement helps users seamlessly reuse data from Excel to generate more informative and data-driven presentations.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap IDs 497537497538, and 497539.

When this will happen

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in early August 2025 and expect to complete by late September 2025.

How this will affect your organization

With this update, users can now reference an Excel file when selecting "New Slide with Copilot" from the PowerPoint ribbon or "Add a slide" from the Copilot button above the slide. This enables more efficient content creation by leveraging existing Excel data directly within PowerPoint.

Key details:

  • Users can reference one Excel file at a time when creating a slide.
  • The Excel file must be stored in OneDrive.
  • Recommended file size for optimal performance is 24MB.
  • Users can include a topic in their prompt to focus the slide content.
  • Copilot can generate slides that include charts or tables based on the Excel data.
  • This feature is available on web, Win32, and Mac platforms. There are no browser-specific limitations.

This feature is on by default and does not require admin configuration.

What you need to do to prepare

  • This feature requires the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on license ($30/user/month). It is not included in standard Microsoft 365 SKUs (e.g., E3/E5).
  • Available only to tenants with Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plus the Copilot license.
  • There are no admin controls to enable, disable, or scope this feature.
  • Users can reference a file by clicking the paperclip icon or typing a backslash to select a file.
  • Only one file can be referenced per slide. The file must be an Excel format and stored in OneDrive.

No admin action is required for this feature to become available. We recommend informing your users so they can take advantage of this new capability.

Learn more: Reinvent productivity with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Compliance considerations

Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?Yes, because Copilot is now accessing and referencing Excel file content to generate PowerPoint slides, which may involve processing customer data in new ways.
Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes, this is a new Copilot capability that uses generative AI to interact with Excel data and generate slide content.
Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI? Yes, users can now prompt Copilot to generate a slide using an Excel file reference, which is a new interaction pattern.
New

Updated August 13, 2025: We have updated the content below to show as intended. Thank you for your patience.

We’re introducing a new capability in Microsoft 365 Copilot for PowerPoint that allows users to reference Excel files when creating a slide. This enhancement helps users seamlessly reuse data from Excel to generate more informative and data-driven presentations.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap IDs 497537497538, and 497539.

When this will happen

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in early August 2025 and expect to complete by late September 2025.

How this will affect your organization

With this update, users can now reference an Excel file when selecting "New Slide with Copilot" from the PowerPoint ribbon or "Add a slide" from the Copilot button above the slide. This enables more efficient content creation by leveraging existing Excel data directly within PowerPoint.

Key details:

  • Users can reference one Excel file at a time when creating a slide.
  • The Excel file must be stored in OneDrive.
  • Recommended file size for optimal performance is 24MB.
  • Users can include a topic in their prompt to focus the slide content.
  • Copilot can generate slides that include charts or tables based on the Excel data.
  • This feature is available on web, Win32, and Mac platforms. There are no browser-specific limitations.

This feature is on by default and does not require admin configuration.

What you need to do to prepare

  • This feature requires the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on license. It is not included in standard Microsoft 365 SKUs (e.g., E3/E5).
  • Available only to tenants with Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plus the Copilot license.
  • There are no admin controls to enable, disable, or scope this feature.
  • Users can reference a file by clicking the paperclip icon or typing a backslash to select a file.
  • Only one file can be referenced per slide. The file must be an Excel format and stored in OneDrive.

No admin action is required for this feature to become available. We recommend informing your users so they can take advantage of this new capability.

Learn more: Reinvent productivity with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Compliance considerations

Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?Yes, because Copilot is now accessing and referencing Excel file content to generate PowerPoint slides, which may involve processing customer data in new ways.
Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes, this is a new Copilot capability that uses generative AI to interact with Excel data and generate slide content.
Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI? Yes, users can now prompt Copilot to generate a slide using an Excel file reference, which is a new interaction pattern.

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