MC1485411 - Microsoft Excel: Excel canvas

Microsoft 365 Message Center announcement MC1485411.

MS Message Center's Summary

Microsoft is introducing Excel canvas, a new Copilot capability that transforms workbook data into dynamic reports featuring automatic updates and natural language customisation. The worldwide rollout is scheduled to run from mid October 2026 through the end of October 2026 across desktop and web platforms. Administrators should review internal support materials and prepare users for this new reporting functionality.

Administrator impact
No direct administrator action is required.
End user impact
Users with access to Copilot in Excel will be able to generate and refine dynamic visual reports from workbook data.
Importance
3/10: This is a standard feature addition that introduces new capabilities without disrupting existing workflows or requiring administrative configuration.

Microsoft Summary

Excel canvas, a new Copilot feature in Microsoft Excel, creates dynamic reports with visualizations and insights that update automatically with data changes. Available worldwide by late October 2026, it supports natural language interaction for report customization. No action is required; notify users and update training materials as needed.

Message Center ID
MC1485411
Category
plan For Change
Severity
normal
Services
Microsoft 365 apps
Tags
New feature, Feature update, User impact
Roadmap ID
569424
Platforms
Desktop, Web
Published
2026-10-02
Last updated
2026-10-02
Expires
2026-12-04

[What and why] We are introducing Excel canvas, a new Copilot capability for Microsoft Excel. Excel canvas transforms workbook data into a polished report containing visualizations, metrics, and insights. Reports automatically refresh as the underlying workbook data changes, reflecting the latest information. Users can further refine and customize reports by interacting with Copilot using natural language. [Rollout schedule] General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout begins in mid-October 2026 and is expected to complete by the end of October 2026. [Impact on your organization] Who is affected Users with access to Copilot in Microsoft Excel. Platforms and services Microsoft Excel for Windows Microsoft Excel Online Microsoft 365 Copilot What will happen Users will be able to generate an interactive Copilot-created report from workbook data. Reports will combine key visualizations, metrics, and insights in a single view. Report content will automatically update when the underlying workbook data changes. Users will be able to modify and refine reports by interacting with Copilot using natural language. [Action required and recommendations] No action is required to prepare for this change. We recommend that you notify users about this new capability and update any internal training or adoption materials related to Copilot in Microsoft Excel. [Compliance considerations] No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.