Query your local Excel files with Copilot Chat
Copilot in Excel is finally learning a new trick: it can now answer questions about workbooks stored right on your device. If you primarily work in local folders, this update quietly changes how you work with data every day.
By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
March 2, 2026
Until now, those local workbooks were invisible to Copilot Chat unless you moved them into the cloud.
That extra step was just enough friction to skip using Copilot at all.
Here's a Cool Tip: You Can Now Query Your Local Excel Files with Copilot Chat.
Copilot can now analyze modern Excel files stored locally, so you can ask questions, clean data, and build summaries without reshuffling your storage strategy or uploading sensitive files.
Feature Explanation
At its core, this feature lets Copilot Chat read and reason over modern Excel workbooks that are stored on your device or a local network share.
When you open a supported workbook in Excel and launch Copilot Chat, your prompts are now grounded in the data inside that local file.
You can ask natural language questions like “What are the top three cost drivers this quarter?” or “Create a pivot table showing revenue by region,” and Copilot will respond based on the workbook you have open.
Previously, this level of context was limited to files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint.
Microsoft describes this as an expansion of Copilot’s reach.
The company confirms that the capability is currently rolling out on Windows and Mac, bringing Copilot closer to where most people actually keep their spreadsheets.
What You Will Gain
- Faster insights from the Excel files you already have on your device.
- Less friction moving files into the cloud just to use Copilot.
- Safer workflows for sensitive or confidential spreadsheets.
- More value from Copilot during travel or low connectivity.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Excel on Windows and Mac
- Make sure you are running the latest version of Excel.
- Open an Excel file stored on your device or a local network share. Look for .xlsx, .xlsb, .xlsm, or .ods.
- Select the Copilot icon in the ribbon, or use the Copilot pane if it is already visible.
- Type a prompt like “Summarize sales by region and highlight any outliers.”
- Copilot proposes formulas, summaries, or visualizations.
- Accept, tweak, or ask follow-up questions.
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fig. 1 - Local Excel Files Speak Copilot Example |
iOS and Android
- The local file support is focused on desktop Excel.
- On mobile, Copilot works best with files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint.
- If you want similar behavior on iOS or Android, save the workbook to the cloud from your phone or tablet, then open Copilot Chat from there.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Less friction: You can keep your existing folder structure and still use Copilot effectively.
- Better privacy posture: Sensitive workbooks can stay local while still benefiting from AI assistance.
- Offline friendly: If you are on a plane or in a low connectivity environment, you can still work with open local files and get value once Copilot connects.
Cons
- Modern formats only: Legacy .xls files are not supported, so older workbooks may need conversion.
- Performance on huge files: Very large workbooks may feel slower when Copilot analyzes them.
- Desktop first: The most complete experience is on Windows and Mac, not mobile.
- Who gets it: Microsoft 365 subscribers with Copilot access.
- Platforms: Excel on Windows and Mac.
- File types: Modern Excel formats such as .xlsx, .xlsb, .xlsm, and .ods.
- Rollout status: This feature is currently rolling out on Windows and Mac.
If you do not see it yet, you are likely waiting on the rollout to reach your account.
Score
Criterion | Score (0–10) | JustificationValue 9Unlocks Copilot for the files people actually use most often and reduces friction.Usability 8Works naturally once enabled, though some users may be confused about supported formats and platforms.Wow Factor 8Quiet but powerful shift that makes Copilot feel more integrated into everyday Excel work.Total: 25/30 🌟 ExcellentA high-impact upgrade that finally brings Copilot to your real-world spreadsheets, not just the ones you remember to upload.
Key Takeaways
Copilot in Excel can now analyze modern workbooks stored on your device, not just in the cloud.
That means less file shuffling, better alignment with privacy needs, and more chances to use AI on the spreadsheets you already rely on.
As the rollout continues, this will quietly become one of the most useful Copilot improvements for everyday users.
Cool Tip Snapshot
- Feature Name: Query your local Excel files with Copilot Chat
- Platform(s): Excel for Windows, Excel for Mac
- Quick Benefit: Get instant insights from local workbooks without moving them to the cloud.
- Access Type: Subscription, currently rolling out
Try It Yourself
Open a local Excel workbook you actually use, launch Copilot, and ask one specific question you would normally answer with a pivot table or a quick chart.
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