Agent-led AI is moving fast, from helpful sidebar suggestions to actually doing more complex, multi-step work for us. Productivity tools that once helped auto-complete phrasing can now draft reports, build charts and stitch together slide decks. And Microsoft’s latest move is accelerating this shift.
Microsoft has introduced Agent Mode and Office Agent, embedding intelligent agents that can understand context, manage multi-step tasks and co-create documents, spreadsheets and presentations with you.
Together, they introduce what Microsoft calls “vibe working”, a new rhythm of human-AI collaboration where you guide the intent, an AI agent brings the work to life and you refine its outputs.
It’s the next evolution of productivity, where AI becomes a working, capable teammate instead of a background helper. Instead of automation, it’s intelligent collaboration.
Simply prompt, review, steer, repeat.
What is Microsoft Agent Mode?
Agent Mode is a new AI capability in Microsoft 365 Copilot that enables you to work side by side with intelligent agents inside Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Unlike earlier versions of Copilot, which focused on single prompts or isolated tasks, Agent Mode introduces reasoning and continuity. So now, Copilot can plan and execute multi-step workflows (summarising data, refining drafts, building dynamic visuals) without restarting the process each time.
Essentially, vibe working is a more natural, iterative way of getting things done. Instead of issuing one-off commands, you can collaborate with the agent to steer direction and fine-tune outputs. In this way, work feels more fluid and less mechanical by blending human insight with AI efficiency.
Note: It’s not about replacing human capabilities. It’s about amplifying what people can achieve with intelligent tools.
How to Access Agent Mode in Word & Excel
To access Agent Mode in Microsoft 365 Copilot, you’ll need a valid Microsoft 365 subscription (for example an enterprise Copilot add-on, or eligible Personal/Family/Premium licence) and access to the Frontier preview rollout.
For Word (web version): sign in, open a document, then open the Copilot pane:
- access Home tab
- access Copilot or sidebar
- inside the Copilot input box, choose “Tools” > Agent Mode
- in the prompt box, type your request and use specific details.
For Excel (web version): open a workbook, go to:
- Home > Add-ins
- search for “Excel Labs”, select “Add” and open its pane
- from the Excel Labs gallery, select “Agent Mode”.
Alternatively if Agent Mode has been enabled, open Copilot in Excel and select Tools > Agent Mode.
Note: Because Agent Mode is rolling out gradually, you may not see it yet. In this case, check with your IT admin for Frontier access or licensing status.
Real-World Use Cases for Business Owners
Curious about how Agent Mode can actually make a difference in your day-to-day work? Here are a few ways business owners are putting it to use.
1. Financial Forecasting in Excel
For many business owners, forecasting is critical and time-consuming. With Agent Mode in Excel, you can upload or link historical sales data, then ask Copilot to identify patterns, model revenue scenarios or forecast profit margins.
For example, you might ask: Analyse sales from the past two years and show projected revenue for Q4.
The agent can generate a dynamic forecast, complete with charts and underlying formulas you can review or adjust.
Instead of building models manually, you can guide the agent’s reasoning, saving hours’ worth of time, while maintaining full control over the numbers.
2. Proposal Writing in Word
Drafting client proposals can often require pulling together data, background information and polished language under tight deadlines.
Agent Mode in Word can take a short brief (like “Create a two-page proposal for our new service package”), and assemble a structured draft using relevant company templates, metrics and persuasive phrasing.
You can then refine the language and tone, adjust sections or add visuals directly within Word.
The agent handles the groundwork so your focus stays on tailoring the message. This can help you deliver professional, on-brand client documents in a fraction of the time.
3. Smarter Team Collaboration
When several people contribute to a project, Office Agent and Agent Mode work together to keep everyone aligned. Copilot can summarise meeting notes from Word or Teams transcripts, generate action items and even assign them in Excel tracking sheets.
Updates stay linked across apps, meaning progress reports and summaries are always up to date.
This kind of agent-driven workflow can keep your team members focused on decisions and creativity, instead of admin.
These are just a few examples that capture the essence of vibe working – intelligent collaboration where AI handles the complexity, and you stay in control of the direction, vision and results.
The Competitive Edge for Modern Teams
By generating polished documents, handling repetitive tasks, summarising information and producing instant insights, Agent Mode is a powerful way to free up your time and mental bandwidth.
For business owners, you can enable your team to make smarter, faster decisions while reducing cognitive load, and gain a competitive edge in a world where efficiency and speed matter.
Next Steps
Agent Mode is redefining how we work, blending human insight with AI-driven execution to help you save time, boost productivity and simplify complex tasks.
Ready to experience vibe working? Open Word or Excel in Microsoft 365 and explore Agent Mode today.
For a deeper dive into its features and capabilities, check out Microsoft’s guide to vibe working.
We’d love to hear how you’re using Agent Mode. Share your experiences or questions in the comments below.
Turn intelligent collaboration into real results. Discover how our Office 365 support can help your team make the most of Agent Mode.
