Microsoft has expanded its Copilot AI capabilities to include agentic features within Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, according to a report by The Register.
The update introduces an AI co-author capable of performing actions directly within documents. This moves the assistant beyond a sidebar tool that suggests edits into a participant that can modify documents, tweak spreadsheets, and build slides in place.
"Copilot can now take actions on your',s behalf across Word, Excel, and PowerPoint," Microsoft stated in a recent announcement. The company pitched the update as a shift toward software that performs tasks rather than just responding to prompts.
As of April 23, 2026, the feature is being rolled out to users. While the functionality is enabled by default, users can activate it through a prominent prompt located on the right side of the application.
Microsoft has also provided instructions for users who wish to turn Copilot off completely. This follows a pattern of recent updates where Microsoft has adjusted the visibility of Copilot icons in products like Notepad to achieve more subtle integration.
The rollout follows a broader strategy of embedding AI throughout Windows, GitHub, and the Microsoft ecosystem. This integration has faced pushback from critics, including Mozilla, who argue the company is making Copilot unavoidable through forced integration.
Administrators have reported dealing with new features appearing in their environments without prior notice. The move toward agentic behavior—where the AI takes a more active role in rewriting and restructuring—adds further tension to the rollout.
Trust remains a significant issue regarding the technology. Recent scrutiny of Copilot's terms of service suggests the AI may be unreliable for critical decision-making.
