Microsoft Adds Personalization Rules to Excel Copilot for Better Formatting

Microsoft has expanded Excel Copilot with new personalization rules that let users control formatting, naming conventions, and report styles through natural language commands. This update addresses a common friction point where AI-generated content did not match individual or team preferences. Users can now define these preferences directly within the application settings.

New features allow users to define formatting and naming conventions via natural language

The feature allows individuals to set specific rules for formulas and visual styles without manual adjustment. Microsoft stores these individual preferences in a dedicated section of the settings menu. This approach simplifies the process of tailoring AI outputs to specific workflows.

For team environments, Microsoft introduced workbook rules that standardize Copilot behavior across shared files. These rules are saved as a .Rules sheet within the workbook itself. This structure ensures that anyone accessing the shared file encounters consistent formatting and naming standards.

Personalization features are currently available to all Copilot in Excel users on the web, Mac, and Windows platforms. Workbook rules are in preview for Windows and Mac Insiders. General availability for these team-focused features is scheduled for a few weeks from now, though a specific date remains unconfirmed.

We touched on Microsoft Streamlines Copilot Access in Word, in our earlier Microsoft coverage. This latest update builds on those earlier efficiency improvements by adding deeper customization layers. The combination of personal and workbook rules aims to reduce the manual cleanup often required after AI generation.