Getting started with AI in MS Excel
This course aims to explain the basics of Microsoft Copilot for Excel, including background concepts, access and licensing.
Build the confidence to use Copilot for Excel safely and effectively, transforming everyday data analysis with AI-powered assistance
This course aims to explain the basics of Microsoft Copilot for Excel, including background concepts, access and licensing, security and risks, as well as hands-on exercises covering the main features.
It aims to demonstrate that Copilot in Excel is simply a knowledgeable assistant which is controlled using ordinary English.
Users simply need to know what questions they want answered, and be willing to experiment, and do not need to write code, understand statistics, or know how to build complex formulas.
This edition of the course has been updated to reflect changes introduced by Microsoft in 2026, and focuses specifically on the free M365 Copilot (Basic) tier.
However, please be aware that Microsoft often updates its products and license models so some features may appear and operate differently in later versions.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this course, learners can expect to gain:
- A basic understanding of Artificial Intelligence and the common misconceptions
- A basic understanding of how Copilot generates responses
- An understanding of the Microsoft Copilot tiers and licensing options
- An understanding of data security as well as some of the risks and limitations
- Experience accessing Copilot for Excel and preparing data for analysis
- Hands-on experience using Copilot for Excel, including formatting, analysis, and the creation of charts and pivot tables
- An understanding of some real-world example use-cases
