Unable to Access Copilot in Excel

Akbany, Adnan 0 Reputation points
2025-08-24T05:40:37.2466667+00:00

Experiencing issues accessing Copilot in Excel while using a university subscription that is currently active. Is there a way to resolve this access problem?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For education | Windows
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  1. Huy-K 2,790 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-08-24T06:30:37.82+00:00

    Dear @Akbany, Adnan,

    Good day! Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum. We apologize for any inconvenience you may encounter when using our services/ products. To help you with the issue, we need more specific information from you:

    • Could you provide your Microsoft license?
    • Go to My account > Subscriptions

    Copilot in Excel is not included by default in all Microsoft 365 university plans. You must be assigned one of the following licenses:

    • Microsoft 365 A3
    • Microsoft 365 A5
    • Office 365 A3
    • Office 365 A5

    These licenses are eligible for Copilot access to use Copilot in Excel under a university or education subscription.

    Here is a reference: Updates on Copilot eligibility for Education customers | Microsoft Community Hub

    In the meantime, kindly try these following steps:

    Refresh Your License

    If you meet the licensing requirements but still don’t see Copilot:

    • Open Excel
    • Go to File > Account > Update License
    • Restart Excel after updating.

    Check your privacy settings

    • Open any Microsoft 365 application (such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint).
    • Select File > Account
    • Under Account Privacy > Manage Settings

    There are two settings here that can cause Copilot to not appear in your Microsoft 365 apps. First confirm that Experiences that analyze your content is turned on. Then scroll down and make sure that All connected experiences are turned on.

    Here is a reference: How to find and enable missing Copilot button in Microsoft 365 apps - Microsoft Support

    Use Web Versions as a Temporary Solution

    If desktop access is blocked due to licensing or channel issues, you can still use Copilot in Excel via the web version.


    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment". 

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