'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Fix Copilot in Excel Showing Preview and Not Working
Question details
The user is unable to use Copilot in Excel; it displays a 'Preview' label and is grayed out or unavailable, despite working properly in Word and PowerPoint.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Mac, Web
- Scenario
- Attempting to analyze data using Copilot features in an Excel workbook via Microsoft 365 on a Mac or web browser.
- Observed behavior
- Copilot displays a 'Copilot Preview' label and does not function. The button is often grayed out and cannot be interacted with.
Verify that you are actively signed into Microsoft Excel with the exact account that holds your Copilot Pro or Enterprise license.
Fulfill Copilot in Excel Prerequisites
Copilot in Excel has strict requirements to function: your data must be formatted as an official Excel table, and the file must be saved in the Microsoft cloud with AutoSave enabled.
Unlike Word or PowerPoint, Copilot in Excel relies on specific cloud and data structures to read and analyze your workbook. If any of these prerequisites are missing, the tool will remain grayed out.
Go to File > Save As and select your OneDrive or SharePoint account as the save location. Copilot cannot process locally saved files.
Look at the top-left corner of your Excel window and toggle the AutoSave switch to the ON position.
Highlight the data you want Copilot to analyze. Navigate to the Home tab on the ribbon and click 'Format as Table', then choose a style.
Click any single cell inside your newly formatted table. The Copilot button should now become clickable.
Contact Microsoft Support for Account Verification
If you have met all requirements (Table formatting, OneDrive, AutoSave) and Copilot is still unresponsive, there may be an issue with your license provisioning.
Try WPS Office for Built-in AI Data Analysis
If Copilot in Excel continues to cause trouble or its strict cloud-save requirements disrupt your workflow, switch to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with its own powerful AI assistant to help you analyze data effortlessly.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite for your Mac or PC.
- 2. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch the application and open your existing .xlsx workbooks directly—no conversion needed.
- 3. Experience WPS AI: Click on the WPS AI tool to easily generate formulas, summarize data, and gain insights without restrictive formatting prerequisites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Copilot in Excel say 'Preview'?
The 'Preview' label simply indicates that Microsoft is still rolling out and refining specific features for Excel's Copilot integration. It is the intended behavior and does not signify an error with your account.
Why is the Copilot button grayed out in my Excel workbook?
The Copilot button is usually grayed out because the active file is saved locally instead of on OneDrive or SharePoint, AutoSave is disabled, or your data has not been formatted as an official Excel table.
Do I need a special license to use Copilot in Excel on the web?
Yes, accessing Copilot features in Excel for Microsoft 365, whether on the desktop or the web, requires an active Copilot Pro or Copilot for Microsoft 365 Enterprise license.
