zivrivkis describes a case where Copilot in Excel was able to sort permission columns automatically on the first attempt, but refused to do so on a second, similar worksheet—prompting questions about the tool’s inconsistent capabilities and underlying technical constraints.

Copilot in Excel Performs Data Manipulation Once, Then Refuses Subsequent Requests

User Experience:

  • The author attempts to sort columns within rows in Excel using Copilot.

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  1. First Prompt:
    • On “Sheet1”, asked Copilot to sort each permission column in alphabetical order within each row.
    • Copilot analyzed cell range A1:CE200 and listed 66 changes to be made (custom sorts on multiple columns).
    • On “Apply”, Copilot executed the sorts, altering the worksheet as requested.
  2. Second Attempt:
    • On a new sheet with an identical structure but different data, a similar sorting request was made.
    • Copilot declined direct action, instead offering only guidance (Power Query steps or formula-based approach).

Copilot’s Explanation (Second Attempt):

“I can’t perform the sorting directly for you, but I can guide you step-by-step to sort the Permission1 to Permission34 columns within each row in Table3 on the ‘Medium’ sheet, just like before… As Excel Copilot, I provide formulas, Power Query steps, or instructions, but I don’t directly manipulate your worksheet. You’ll need to follow the steps I provide in Excel to achieve the result.”

Why the Inconsistent Copilot Behavior?

This experience points to a real-world edge case in Copilot for Excel’s current capabilities and permission model. Here are some likely technical and product factors involved:

  • Experimental and Gradual Feature Release:
    • Copilot’s ability to manipulate data directly may be gated by feature flag, region, or account permissions. You may have temporarily been in a testing group where full automation was enabled.
    • Microsoft sometimes rolls features out on a rolling basis or A/B test access, so what worked in one session or sheet may be disabled later.
  • Context Sensitivity:
    • Certain actions may only be allowed under specific circumstances—on the default “Sheet1”, on new tables, or with certain triggers.
    • If Copilot recognizes a table (e.g., “Table1” vs. “Table3”), it might lock down manipulation on anything but default/test tables or structures it evaluated as ‘safe.’
  • Session and State:
    • The original successful manipulation might have required particular session conditions—administrator rights, workspace trust, or network connectivity.
    • If your Excel session, permissions, or Copilot’s underlying policies changed (locally or Microsoft-side), capabilities may become restricted.
  • Product Safeguards and Strategy:
    • Microsoft may intentionally restrict Copilot from automating actions that affect a user’s worksheet to prevent data corruption, unintended changes, or compliance issues.
    • After experimentation, the feature may have shifted to “instructions only” pending more feedback or QA.
  • Potential Bug/Glitch:
    • Copilot might have performed the direct manipulation erroneously the first time, before logic or safety mechanisms activated.

Summary Table

Attempt Sheet/Table Copilot Response Result
1st Sheet1/Table1 Direct manipulation Data was sorted
2nd Medium/Table3 Instructional guidance No direct data manipulation

Recommendations & Takeaway

  • Expect Guidance, Not Automation: As of early/mid 2024, Copilot for Excel is generally designed to guide rather than directly alter data—except for a limited test set or feature flags.
  • Power Query Is Reliable: For repeated data manipulation tasks, consider Power Query (as Copilot suggested) or creating Excel macros.
  • Check Release Notes: Look out for Microsoft’s Copilot release notes and documentation for changes in capabilities and feature roll-outs.
  • Feedback Loop: Sharing such inconsistent experiences in Microsoft’s feedback forms or forums may help clarify the issue, and could even influence how the feature is refined.

Key Insight:

Copilot’s ability to manipulate worksheet data may depend on a mix of experimental features, your account/session context, and evolving safety measures. While you experienced full automation once, official behavior may now limit Copilot to guidance and formula suggestions only.

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