Microsoft has shared its roundup of what’s new in Excel for November 2025, covering updates for Excel on Windows, the web, and iOS. This month’s biggest milestone is the expansion of Agent Mode, Excel’s AI-driven workspace, which now includes built-in web search, support for Anthropic’s Claude models, and—at last—availability in the desktop version of Excel for Windows.
Alongside this, the update introduces a redesigned Get Data experience, improved comment previews for protected files, and a refreshed, modern interface on iOS using Microsoft’s new Liquid Glass design system.
Agent Mode: Excel gets an AI-driven workspace
Microsoft initially introduced Agent Mode as the next step beyond Copilot—turning Excel not only into a tool that analyses data but into an AI agent capable of taking action within your spreadsheets.
This month, Agent Mode gains several major capabilities:
Integrated web data search
Users can now ask Excel to fetch real-time information directly from the internet. For example:
- GDP or emission statistics from G20 countries
- A list of Nobel Prize winners
- Any public dataset that can be sourced and structured
The agent imports the results into a clean, ready-to-use table—complete with citations and source links for verification, which is essential in compliance-heavy environments.
This fits into Microsoft’s broader vision of transforming Windows and Microsoft 365 into an ecosystem driven by autonomous agents that can gather information, perform tasks, and operate on files without constant user intervention.
Support for Anthropic Claude models
A noteworthy addition is that Excel’s Agent Mode now lets users switch to Claude models from Anthropic, offering an alternative to OpenAI models traditionally built into the Microsoft 365 suite.
You will see a new option like “Try Claude”, letting you choose the model that best fits the task or your preferred response style.
- Enterprise administrators can manage availability at the organisational level.
- Users can compare model speed, reasoning style, and accuracy without leaving Excel.
This is part of Microsoft’s plan to position Copilot—and now Agent Mode—as a multi-model AI hub, providing companies with the flexibility to choose the AI foundation that best suits their needs.
Availability in Excel for Windows (Insiders)
Until now, Agent Mode has been exclusive to Excel for the web through the Frontier preview program. With this update, Agent Mode is now available in Excel for Windows, although it is currently only accessible to Office Insiders in the Beta Channel.
Many businesses remain anchored to desktop Excel, so bringing Agent Mode to Windows means analysts, financial teams, and auditors can start experimenting with AI agents from within the familiar local application they rely on daily.
New “Get Data” box: fewer clicks, more connections
Excel is also rolling out a significantly improved Get Data interface—a welcome update for anyone who regularly connects spreadsheets to databases or external data sources.
The update includes:
- A cleaner, modernised design aligned with the Microsoft 365 aesthetic
- A built-in search bar to quickly locate connectors
- A “frequently used sources” section for fast access to common data types
This overhaul reduces the friction of connecting to SQL servers, CSV files, Power BI datasets, or online services—especially for users who are not database experts.
Comments on protected files: collaboration without opening the document
Microsoft is also enhancing collaboration by enabling email previews of comments on protected workbooks, without requiring users to open or unlock the document.
The email notification now includes:
- The comment text
- Context (sheet name, referenced cell, or area)
- A quick snapshot of where it appears
This feature is rolling out across Excel for Windows, web, and iOS, and fits nicely with the trend toward offering smarter summaries, insights, and collaboration tools even before opening a file.
Excel for iOS adopts Liquid Glass and improves templates
Excel on iOS (iPhone, iPad, and even Apple Vision Pro) is receiving one of its biggest design updates in years, courtesy of Microsoft’s Liquid Glass design language.
Key changes include:
- A refreshed, fluid visual style: A modern look that blends more naturally with iOS 26 while maintaining Microsoft’s identity.
- A bottom-placed search bar: Optimised for one-handed use, this mirrors recent UI trends across iOS apps.
- Quick template filters: Users can instantly filter templates by categories such as:
- Invoices
- Resumes
- Project trackers
- Brochures
These changes aim to make Excel more useful on mobile devices—not just for last-minute edits, but for initiating real work on the go.
Currently, these improvements are exclusive to iOS Insiders.
What these new developments mean for users and companies
This month’s updates reinforce a shift in how Microsoft sees Excel—not just as a spreadsheet tool, but as an intelligent, agent-powered environment.
Here’s what the bigger picture looks like:
1. Excel is becoming a central hub for AI agents
Agent Mode turns everyday spreadsheet work into a workflow where AI can retrieve data, automate tasks, and synthesise insights autonomously.
2. Real-time web search turns Excel into a research tool
Analysts and financial teams no longer need to switch between the browser and Excel. The AI agent handles data gathering and curation.
3. Multi-model support prepares companies for a flexible AI future
OpenAI plus Anthropic—and likely more models in the future—gives organisations freedom to choose the right AI engine for each task.
4. New data connections and UI improvements reduce friction
The redesigned Get Data interface and enhanced mobile UX support both novice users and seasoned analysts.
