Discover the New Features Microsoft Introduced to Excel in April 2025
New Excel Features Released in April 2025
Microsoft continues to improve Excel, rolling out numerous new features each month. In April 2025, a variety of enhancements were introduced, catering to both Windows and Mac users. Let’s take a closer look at what’s new and how these changes can benefit users.
Key Highlights of New Features
Microsoft’s April update includes several notable improvements:
- Copilot Image Uploads: Users can now upload images directly from their mobile devices through the Copilot feature.
- Multiple Worksheet Viewing for Mac: Mac users can view multiple worksheets side by side, enhancing multi-tasking and efficiency.
- Insider Features: Microsoft Insider users have access to additional upgrades including value tokens, improved dark mode, and pre-configured security settings.
What’s New for Excel on Different Platforms
Excel for Windows and Web
Excel’s most exciting addition is the enhanced Copilot, a helpful chatbot that can suggest templates and assist users in creating spreadsheets. If you’re unsure how to start, simply describe your needs or select from suggested prompts, and Copilot will help design your document with headers and formulas.
- Image Uploads: Now, when you want to add a phone image using Copilot, there’s a new "Upload from phone" option, making it easier to integrate visual content.
Excel for Mac
Mac users have something to celebrate, too. The latest update brings the ability to view multiple worksheets from the same or different workbooks side by side. This feature was previously available to Windows users and enhances productivity for those operating on Mac by allowing easier comparisons and work on different sheets simultaneously.
To utilize this feature, users can find it under the New Window option in the View tab if they are running Excel Version 16.97 (Build 25041535) or later.
New Features for Excel on the Insiders Channel
For Excel Insiders, who get to test features before the general public, there are three major changes that stand out:
Value Tokens: This feature introduces an icon that visually identifies a cell’s data type, making it easier to understand the kind of data being dealt with at a glance.
Enhanced Dark Mode: Now, users can enjoy dark mode not just in the menu but also in the sheet background, enhancing the viewing experience under low light conditions.
- ActiveX Control Security: Excel has a new default setting for ActiveX controls—these are now disabled by default to enhance security, since ActiveX can pose risks due to its access to system resources.
These features predominantly benefit Windows users for the time being, but they are slated to roll out on other platforms like Mac and mobile devices in the future.
User Engagement and Feedback
Microsoft encourages user feedback regarding these newly implemented features or any other suggestions you may have. You can share your thoughts through their dedicated Feedback portal, ensuring that users have a voice in the future of Excel development.
By actively staying engaged with these updates and exploring the latest tools, Excel users can maximize their productivity and enhance their overall experience with the software. With these changes, Microsoft aims to make Excel not just a spreadsheet program, but a comprehensive tool for all data management and analysis needs.
