Microsoft Unveils Copilot Skills and Plan Feature to Enhance AI Assistant Transparency

Microsoft has introduced new features for its Copilot AI assistant, including customizable “skills” and a “plan” function to improve user control and transparency when working with Excel spreadsheets, according to Brian Jones, vice president for Excel at Microsoft.

What Are Copilot’s New Skills?

Copilot’s “skills” allow users to guide the AI through structured workflows, applying consistent formatting and improving the reliability of outputs. These skills can be pre-built by Microsoft or created by users, who can save them as SKILL.md files in OneDrive for later use. Microsoft partners, including finance software vendors like LSEG, Ramp, and Velixo, are also developing skills, though these are described as “coming soon” in a blog post.

Custom skills are already available through the Windows Insider program and will roll out to all users next month, Jones confirmed.

How Does the ‘Plan’ Feature Work?

A new “plan” feature gives users greater oversight of Copilot’s actions before it interacts with spreadsheet data. The assistant can now draft a list of proposed changes—such as modifying formulas—and prompt users to “approve, edit, or answer clarifying questions” before execution, Jones said.

The feature is part of Microsoft’s broader effort to balance efficiency with user control in AI tools.

Which Companies Are Developing Skills?

Microsoft has partnered with financial technology firms to expand Copilot’s capabilities. LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group), Ramp (a corporate spending platform), and Velixo (a financial data provider) are among the companies building skills for the tool, though specific release dates for these are not yet announced.

These collaborations aim to integrate industry-specific workflows, such as financial modeling or data analysis, into Copilot’s functionality. Microsoft emphasized that the skills ecosystem is growing, with more partners expected to join in the coming months.

Why Does This Matter for Users?

The updates reflect Microsoft’s push to make AI assistants more adaptable and trustworthy. By allowing users to define workflows and review proposed actions, the company is addressing common pain points in automation—such as unexpected changes to critical data. This aligns with broader industry trends toward “human-in-the-loop” AI systems, where human oversight remains central to decision-making.

The integration of skills and planning tools also positions Copilot as a more versatile tool for professionals, particularly in fields like finance, where precision is paramount. However, the effectiveness of these features will depend on the quality of third-party skills and user adoption rates.

What’s Next for Copilot?

Microsoft’s focus on transparency and customization could set a precedent for how AI tools are designed in the future. As more organizations adopt AI for data analysis, features that balance automation with user control may become a key differentiator.

Users can expect further refinements to Copilot’s capabilities, with the company likely to expand its skills library and enhance the “plan” feature based on feedback.