When are the REGEX functions coming to Excel 365 users in the Semi-Annual Enterprise channel?

Question

Hi,

My workplace is on the Semi-annual Enterprise update channel for M365. I've just updated to version 2508 (January 2026), and still have no REGEX functions in Excel. This seems crazy, as they have been available for Monthly users for some time. Is there a reason for the delay, and do we have an expected release date for them? I'm assuming July is now the earliest I can expect to be able to use this great new functionality, but am finding it very hard to find the information.

Thanks for any insight

Answer 1

The REGEX functions in Excel are part of the new features that are typically released in the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel twice a year, specifically on the second Tuesday of January and July. Since you mentioned that you are currently on version 2508 (January 2026), it is likely that the REGEX functions will not be available until the next feature update in July 2026.

The delay in availability for the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel compared to the Monthly Enterprise Channel is due to the nature of the update channels, where the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel focuses on extensive testing and is designed for non-interactive devices and specialized workloads. This means that new features, including REGEX functions, are introduced less frequently and only after thorough validation.

Therefore, you can expect to see the REGEX functions in Excel for Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel users in the July 2026 update, assuming they are included in that release.

Answer 2

Hi @Stephen Eddleston-McGrath,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

According to your concern, I completely understand your high expectation for Excel’s new REGEX functions. This is really a major quality-of-life improvement for text parsing and data cleanup.

However, since your workplace is on the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel, new feature releases don’t arrive continuously. Semi-Annual receives feature updates only twice per year (January and July), and outside those months it primarily receives security and non-security fixes.

Additionally, Microsoft may gradually roll out features over time, so even when a feature is introduced to a channel, not every device sees it immediately. Up to now, only users with Current Channel will have features rolling out more often since Microsoft wants to ensure things are working smoothly before releasing the feature to a wider audience like Monthly, Semi-Annual channel.

Since your latest update doesn't include the REGEX feature, the earliest opportunity for new feature additions on Semi-Annual would be the next Semi-Annual feature release in July. At this time, Microsoft hasn’t published a guaranteed Semi-Annual date specifically for REGEX, so I can’t commit anything up to now. However, with a great number of positive feedback from our users regarding REGEX functions, I believe this feature will be optimized over time and you will receive this feature in its best performance when the next update in July comes.

Thank you for your understanding and corporation. If you have any concerns or questions in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Not only will I be happy to assist you, but all moderators in the Q&A forum will also do their best to provide support and guidance.  

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