How to Use Microsoft AI Agents to Make Work Easier
Microsoft has introduced AI agents for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These new tools help both business and personal subscribers simplify tasks. AI agents can now assist with writing, editing, analyzing, and formatting documents.
What Are Microsoft AI Agents?
AI agents are intelligent assistants built into Microsoft 365. They work in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These agents can interpret commands, suggest improvements, and create content. They are designed to reduce manual effort and increase productivity.
How to Access AI Agents
AI agents are available for Microsoft 365 Copilot users. Business users need a Copilot subscription costing around $30 per user per month. Personal users can access agents with Microsoft 365 Family or Personal plans. Currently, agents work on the web. Desktop versions are coming soon.
Using Agent Mode in Excel
Excel can be complex for data analysis. The Excel AI agent helps users create formulas, analyze datasets, and visualize results. Users can ask the agent to run full analysis on sales or financial data. The AI generates charts, selects formulas, and summarizes insights. It even validates results to ensure accuracy.
To start using Excel AI agent, install the Excel Labs add-in and select Agent Mode. This feature is available via the Frontier program for Microsoft 365 subscribers.
Using Agent Mode in Word
Word AI agents simplify document creation and editing. Users can provide instructions to write, format, and refine documents. The agent can suggest style improvements, update data tables, and summarize content. It can even access other files and emails to include the latest information.
For example, users can instruct the agent to update monthly reports, follow brand guidelines, or format text automatically. Word AI agent is available for web use through the Frontier program and will soon come to desktop apps.
Using Office Agent in Copilot Chat
The Office Agent works as a chat assistant for Word and PowerPoint. Users can create professional presentations and well-researched documents using natural prompts. For instance, you can ask it to create a slide deck to encourage employee retirement participation or summarize market trends.
The agent researches the topic, generates visuals, writes content, and provides a live slide preview. Currently, the Office Agent supports English and is available in Microsoft 365 on the web through the Frontier program.
Benefits of Using Microsoft AI Agents
- Time-Saving: Automates repetitive tasks.
- Enhanced Accuracy: Validates formulas, data, and document content.
- Improved Creativity: Suggests charts, visuals, and content formats.
- Accessible to All: No advanced skills required.
- Seamless Integration: Works with emails, files, and other Microsoft 365 tools.
Getting Started
- Ensure you have a Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Install Excel Labs add-in for Excel agent.
- Access Agent Mode in Word or Excel on the web.
- Use Copilot Chat for PowerPoint and Word assistance.
- Provide clear instructions for the AI to follow.
Microsoft AI agents are designed to make your work smarter, faster, and easier. Whether it’s analyzing data, creating reports, or designing presentations, the agents offer support at every step. With upcoming desktop support, these tools will soon be fully integrated across all platforms.
