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Copilot option is not working in some files

Aiswarya Venugopalan Alapuzha 0 Reputation points
2026-06-03T08:05:45.76+00:00

When i open a blank workbook Copilot is showing in the bottom right but while i am open an existing file it is not showing file is .xlsx,auto save is on ,internet is on and it is connected to cloud as well

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For business | Windows
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  1. Aiswarya Venugopalan Alapuzha 0 Reputation points
    2026-06-03T08:09:30.96+00:00

    i am not satisfied with the answer kindly connect to an executive or give mail id

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  2. Aiswarya Venugopalan Alapuzha 0 Reputation points
    2026-06-03T08:07:41.83+00:00

    i have checked all the above already its not working

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  3. AI answer

    2026-06-03T08:06:00.37+00:00

    Copilot in Excel depends on both the file state and the account/license state. Since it appears in a blank workbook but not in some existing files, the issue is likely with those specific workbooks or how/where they are stored.

    Try the following checks on an affected file:

    1. Confirm the file format
      • Open the workbook in Excel.
      • Select File > Info and check the file type.
      • If it is in an older or unsupported format (for example, Strict Open XML Spreadsheet), save it as Excel Workbook (*.xlsx):
        • File > Save As and choose Excel Workbook (*.xlsx).
      • Close and reopen the new .xlsx file and check if Copilot appears.
    2. Check for SharePoint “checked out” state
      • If the file is stored in SharePoint or OneDrive for Business, open the document library in the browser.
      • If the file is checked out, check it back in.
      • Then close the workbook and reopen it in Excel (desktop or web) and verify Copilot.
      • If the site requires check-out for editing, Copilot in Excel on Windows/Mac will not work for files from that site; use Excel for the web instead for those files.
    3. Confirm co-authoring/modern collaboration is available
      • Ensure the file is stored in OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, or SharePoint Online and not on a local/network share only.
      • Make sure AutoSave is on and that the file opens without “File is locked” or similar errors, which can indicate an incompatible client or mode.
    4. Verify Copilot and privacy settings (account-wide)
      • In any Microsoft 365 app, confirm the signed-in account is the one with Copilot entitlement.
      • Check privacy settings:
        • File > Account > Account Privacy > Manage Settings.
        • Ensure Experiences that analyze your content and All connected experiences are turned on.

    If Copilot works in new blank workbooks but not after these steps on specific files, try opening the same workbook in Excel for the web to see if Copilot appears there; if it does, the limitation is likely due to how the desktop app is interacting with that file’s storage or format.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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