Excel April 2025 Update: AI, Python, Security & New Features for Enhanced Productivity

Microsoft Excel has introduced a suite of new features in April 2025, enhancing user experience across Windows, Mac, and web platforms. These updates focus on integrating advanced technologies like AI and Python, improving usability, and bolstering security measures.

Copilot Enhancements​

A significant advancement is the expanded integration of Copilot, Microsoft's AI assistant, within Excel. Users can now interact with Copilot to generate tailored templates and tables by describing their requirements or selecting from suggested prompts. This feature is currently available to Excel web users and is rolling out to Current Channel Windows users. (o365support.com)
Additionally, Copilot now supports image uploads directly from mobile devices. Users can add images to their spreadsheets by selecting the "Upload from phone" option, streamlining the incorporation of visual data. (o365support.com)

Mac-Specific Updates​

Mac users have gained the ability to view multiple worksheets from the same or different workbooks side by side. This functionality, previously exclusive to Windows, is now accessible on Mac versions 16.97 (Build 25041535) and later. (o365support.com)

Insider Program Features​

Participants in the Excel Insiders Program have access to several new features:

• Value Tokens: These provide visual indicators that a cell contains a data type or richer format, with icons differentiating between data types. (o365support.com)
• Enhanced Dark Mode: The dark color scheme now extends to both menu controls and the sheet background, offering a more cohesive visual experience. (o365support.com)
• ActiveX Controls Disabled by Default: To enhance security, ActiveX controls are now disabled by default due to their deep access to system resources, which can pose security risks. (o365support.com)

Python Integration​

Excel has integrated Python, allowing users to perform advanced data analysis and visualization directly within the application. This feature is available on Windows platforms and is being introduced to Excel for the web, enabling users to run Python scripts without leaving the spreadsheet environment. (howtogeek.com)

Advanced Formulas and Functions​

New formulas such as GroupBy, PivotBy, and regular expression functions have been added to simplify complex data analysis tasks. These functions facilitate efficient data summarization and pattern extraction, enhancing analytical capabilities. (geeky-gadgets.com)

Collaboration and Integration​

Excel now offers improved collaboration tools, including real-time co-authoring and integration with Microsoft Forms. Users can create surveys directly within Excel and integrate real-time results into their spreadsheets, streamlining data collection and analysis. (geeky-gadgets.com)

Security Enhancements​

To bolster security, Excel has implemented measures such as disabling ActiveX controls by default and introducing dynamic watermarking in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Dynamic watermarking adds user-specific information onto content, aiding in the protection of sensitive data. (shu.edu)

Usability Improvements​

Usability enhancements include a high-contrast color picker for improved readability, a focus cell feature that highlights the active cell’s row and column, and checkbox functionality for creating interactive checklists. These updates aim to make Excel more intuitive and efficient for users. (geeky-gadgets.com)
These April 2025 updates reflect Microsoft's commitment to evolving Excel into a more powerful, secure, and user-friendly tool, catering to the diverse needs of its global user base.

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Source: XDA Here are all the new features Microsoft added to Excel in April 2025