Microsoft Excel: Summarize text columns and generate categories with Copilot

Microsoft 365 Copilot in Excel will automatically analyze unstructured text columns to generate categories and tags, aiding data analysis like survey responses. Rolling out worldwide mid to late July 2026, it requires no setup, affects licensed users, and maintains existing data compliance and controls.

[What and Why]

We are introducing a new Microsoft 365 Copilot capability in Excel that helps users analyze columns of unstructured text and automatically generate categories or tags for each entry. This feature helps users quickly identify themes and patterns in data such as survey responses or customer feedback, improving productivity and reducing manual analysis effort.

[Rollout Schedule]

General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in mid-July 2026 and is expected to complete by late July 2026.

[Impact on Your Organization]

Who is affected

• Users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license using Excel

Platforms and services

• Excel for Microsoft 365
• Copilot in Excel

What will happen:

• Copilot will analyze columns of unstructured text to identify themes and generate categories or tags for each entry.
• Users will be able to summarize and categorize content such as survey responses, customer feedback, or comments.
• The feature is available automatically to licensed users in environments where Microsoft 365 Copilot in Excel is enabled.
• No configuration or setup is required.
• There is no change to how customer data is stored, processed, or shared.
• Existing Microsoft 365 Copilot controls remain unchanged.

[Action Required or Recommendations]

No action is required.

Consider the following:

• Inform users about this new capability and how it can support data analysis workflows.
• Update internal training or documentation if your organization provides guidance on using Excel or Copilot.
• Review existing Copilot controls if you want to manage feature access for users.

Learn more: Edit with Copilot in Excel | Microsoft Support

[Compliance considerations]

This feature does not introduce new data storage, change how customer data is processed, or modify existing Microsoft 365 Copilot compliance controls.