# Microsoft Excel’s Latest Productivity Features To Try

**URL:** <https://onehack.st/t/microsoft-excel-s-latest-productivity-features-to-try/310409>\
**Category:** News & Articles\
**Tags:** tools, windows, documents\
**Created:** [September 3, 2025, 10:08pm UTC](https://onehack.st/t/microsoft-excel-s-latest-productivity-features-to-try/310409 "2025-09-03T22:08:00Z")\
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**Author:** ![PlayBoy83](https://onehack.st/user_avatar/onehack.st/playboy83/32/164314_2.png) [@PlayBoy83](https://onehack.st/u/PlayBoy83)\
**Post date:** [September 3, 2025, 10:08pm UTC](https://onehack.st/t/microsoft-excel-s-latest-productivity-features-to-try/310409/1 "2025-09-03T22:08:00Z")

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Microsoft Excel’s Latest Productivity Features (September 2025)

**Over the last few weeks, Microsoft has focused on enhancing Excel** with smarter automation, **deeper Python integration** , **flexible drawing tools** , and **better chart controls**. Here are the **five** major updates available in September 2025 that you should explore:

* * *

### **1. Work More Efficiently With the Copilot Function**

- **Prerequisites:** A Copilot license (included with most Microsoft 365 subscriptions unless downgraded).

- **Availability:** Rolling out to Microsoft 365 subscribers across platforms.

- **Usage:** Copilot now supports **in-grid formula explanations**. Simply select a formula cell and request an explanation — Excel will generate a clear, contextual breakdown of what each part of the formula does.

- **Learn more:** [Microsoft](https://www.howtogeek.com/avoid-paying-for-microsoft-365-copilot-downgrade-to-classic/)

* * *

### **2. Explain Formulas Directly on the Grid**

Previously confined to a side pane, **formula explanations** now display directly within the grid for faster analysis. Closing the Copilot pane before activation ensures the explanation appears inline.

- **Read more:** [Microsoft](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/excelblog/explain-formulas-with-copilot%e2%80%94now-on-the-grid/4424028)

* * *

### **3. Analyze and Manipulate Images With Python**

- **Prerequisites:** Microsoft 365 subscription (consumer, commercial, or education) with connected experiences enabled, plus basic Python knowledge.

- **Availability:** Currently available to Insiders (Windows version 2509+ / Mac version 16.101+).

- **Features:** Use Python to:

- **Guide:** [Learn Python Basics](https://www.howtogeek.com/learn-the-basics-of-python-in-one-hour/)

- **Read more:** [Microsoft](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/analyze-images-with-python-in-excel/4440388)

* * *

### **4. Add Fountain and Brush Pen Annotations via the Draw Tab**

- **Prerequisites:** Microsoft Excel for Windows via Microsoft 365 subscription.

- **Availability:** Insider members on Excel for Windows version 2508+ (Mac support expected later).

- **Features:**

- **Read more:** [Microsoft](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/new-pen-tools-and-draw-tab-customization-in-word-excel-and-powerpoint-for-window/4433543)

* * *

### **5. Edit Chart Data Labels in Excel for the Web**

- **Prerequisites:** A free Microsoft account.

- **Availability:** Expands desktop-only functionality to Excel for the web.

- **Features:** Edit **data label text** directly on charts for clearer insights and custom reporting.

- **Learn more about charts:** [Excel Charts](https://www.howtogeek.com/most-common-excel-charts-what-theyre-used-for/)

* * *

**Note:** Feature availability may depend on your [Microsoft 365 subscription level](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/buy/compare-all-microsoft-365-products) and whether you’re enrolled in the [Microsoft Insider program](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/join-the-microsoft-365-insider-program-3c7dda4f-4d05-0783-3a9a-182b50acb8a9).

**Happy learning!**