Microsoft is rolling out a significant upgrade to Copilot in Excel, focusing on how the AI assistant handles web searches. The update introduces a smarter system that runs parallel lookups and cross-references multiple sources before generating an answer.
How the new search works
Previously, Copilot might have relied on a single search path or a limited set of results to find information for your spreadsheets. The upcoming change shifts this approach by initiating multiple searches simultaneously. This parallel processing allows the AI to gather a broader range of data points in less time.
Once the initial search results are collected, Copilot will cross-check these sources against one another. This step is designed to verify consistency and accuracy, reducing the likelihood of hallucinations or outdated information making its way into your cells.
What this means for you
If you frequently use Copilot to pull live data—such as stock prices, currency exchange rates, or market trends—this update should improve the reliability of that information. By validating data across multiple sources, Microsoft aims to provide answers that are not just fast, but also more trustworthy.
The improvement is expected to arrive later this month. While no specific build number has been attached to this feature yet, it will likely roll out to Copilot subscribers as part of the standard service updates. Keep an eye on your Excel version for the enhanced search behavior when you ask Copilot to look up external data.
Source: Neowin
Over to you: Do you trust Copilot’s current web search results for critical financial data, or do you prefer to verify manually?
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