Python in Copilot (advanced analysis) in Excel

Question

Hello,

I’m trying to use Copilot’s advanced analysis capabilities in Excel, specifically with Python, but I’m unable to access this feature.

I don’t see any “Advanced Analysis” option or button in Copilot. Additionally, even when I explicitly request a Python-based dashboard or analysis in my prompts, Copilot only returns code rather than executing or integrating it within Excel.

For context:

• I am a Microsoft 365 Enterprise user
• Python in Excel is enabled and working (I can use the =PY function)
• My Excel version is 2603 (Build 19822.20114)

Could you please advise if there are additional requirements, settings, or feature rollouts needed to enable Copilot’s advanced Python analysis?

Thank you !

Answer 1

Copilot’s “advanced analysis” with Python in Excel is tied to the Copilot in Excel with Python / advanced analysis mode feature, not just to having Python (=PY) available. Having Python in Excel working and an Enterprise subscription is necessary but not always sufficient; the feature must also be available in the tenant and client build where Copilot in Excel with Python is rolled out.

From the available information:

1. Advanced analysis is a distinct Copilot mode
   • Advanced analysis is entered from Copilot, not from the =PY function.
   • It opens a new sheet and inserts Python code as refreshable Python cells for deeper analysis.
   • It is described as the “original Copilot in Excel with Python mode” and is accessed either by:
     • Selecting the follow‑up suggestion pill: “Get deeper results using advanced analysis mode” after a normal Copilot answer, or
     • Asking Copilot directly: “Enter advanced analysis mode”.
2. How it behaves when available
   • When advanced analysis starts, Copilot:
     • Creates a new sheet for the analysis.
     • Inserts the necessary Python code into that sheet.
   • Follow‑up questions can then refine or extend that analysis.
3. What to try in the current setup Since Python in Excel is already enabled and working:
   • In Excel, open Copilot and ask a standard data question first (for example, about a selected table).
   • After Copilot responds, look for the follow‑up suggestion pill “Get deeper results using advanced analysis mode” and select it.
   • Alternatively, in the Copilot prompt, type “Enter advanced analysis mode”.
   • When advanced analysis is active, expect a new sheet with Python cells rather than only inline code in chat.
4. Deprecation and evolution of the feature
   • The “App Skills” implementation of advanced analysis is being deprecated and will be removed from Excel by late‑February 2026.
   • The capabilities are being replaced by:
     • Agent Mode in Excel for generating formulas, charts, and editing workbooks.
     • Copilot Chat for basic questions.
     • Analyst for deep reasoning data analysis.
   • These newer features may not exactly match the original advanced analysis mode for generating, explaining, and inserting Python code.
5. Implication for availability
   • If the tenant or build does not yet have the original Copilot in Excel with Python advanced analysis mode (or if it has been superseded by the newer Agent/Analyst experiences), there will be no explicit “Advanced Analysis” button, and Copilot may only return code in chat instead of creating Python cells.
   • In that case, use the newer capabilities (Agent Mode, Copilot Chat, Analyst) for advanced work, understanding that their Python‑insertion behavior may differ from the original mode.

If “Enter advanced analysis mode” and the “Get deeper results using advanced analysis mode” pill do not appear at all, this indicates that the original advanced analysis mode is not currently available in that environment and the newer Copilot experiences should be used instead.

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References:

• Get advanced data analysis using Copilot in Excel App Skills
• Use Copilot in Excel with a screen reader
• Get direct answers to your data analysis questions