Copilot option is not working in some files

Aiswarya Venugopalan Alapuzha 30 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
Answer accepted by question author
Alina Le 5,325 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-06-05T03:57:28.85+00:00

Hello @Aiswarya Venugopalan Alapuzha

As you have shared, Copilot appears in the bottom right when you open a new blank Excel workbook, but it does not show when you open an existing .xlsx file even though AutoSave, internet, and cloud connection are all on.

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

I understand that you want to use Copilot consistently across your files, so let’s go through this together and check what might be influencing this behavior.

To better understand your setup, could you help me with a few quick details

  • Was this file originally created in Excel, or imported from another format like CSV or older Excel version?
  • Is the file stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, or opened from a local folder and then uploaded?
  • Do you see any message near the top of the file like “Compatibility Mode” or “Protected View”?
  • Are you signed into Excel with the same account that has Copilot access?

In the meantime, you can try a few simple checks step by step to double-check this issue:

1/ Confirm the file format

  • Open the file
  • Go to File in the top left corner
  • Select "Save As"
  • Choose your OneDrive location

User's image User's image

Make sure the file type is set to Excel Workbook (.xlsx) and save it again

This ensures the file is freshly saved in the correct format and location.

2/ Check for Compatibility Mode

  • Look at the title bar at the very top of Excel
  • If you see “Compatibility Mode”, click File then Info and choose Convert

This updates the file structure so newer features like Copilot can work properly.

3/ Check workbook protection

  • Go to the "Review" tab at the top.
  • Look for options like "Protect Workbook" or Protect Sheet.
  • If any protection is active, try removing it temporarily.

This helps confirm whether restrictions are affecting the Copilot panel.

4/ Sign out and back in

  • Click your profile icon in the top right of Excel
  • "Sign out", then sign back in with your Microsoft 365 account

This refreshes your session and feature availability.

5/ Reopen from cloud location

Try to open your file directly via web browser: https://excel.cloud.microsoft/

If you still need my assistance, please come back with screenshots or any additional details so I can review it again and see if there’s anything more I can help you with.  

Have a nice day!  

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  1. 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:

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  2. Aiswarya Venugopalan Alapuzha 30 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. Aiswarya Venugopalan Alapuzha 30 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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