Office power users can now celebrate a significant advancement in their Excel experience: Python integration is officially available, contingent upon the right licensing and hardware. This eagerly anticipated feature, initially hinted at last year, enables users to execute Python scripts directly within their Excel workbooks, enhancing analytical capabilities and streamlining various tasks.
Seamless Integration and Enhanced Functionality
This week, Microsoft announced the general release of Python in Excel for Windows users subscribed to Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise. This follows the public beta launch that occurred just over a month ago, allowing users to explore the potential of Python within their spreadsheets.
Microsoft expressed optimism about the feature’s impact, stating, “We believe there is a significant opportunity for anyone using Excel for analysis to greatly enhance their work with Python.” A notable addition to this release is the integration of a large language model, which empowers users to interact with the Copilot to generate scripts using simple, natural language commands.
To bring this innovative feature to fruition, Microsoft collaborated with Anaconda, a prominent data science tool provider. This partnership facilitates seamless data transfer between Excel and Python, utilizing custom-defined functions that enhance user experience.
Security and Accessibility Considerations
Security remains a priority, as Microsoft assures users that Python processes Excel data while safeguarding their identities. All Python code operates within a secure, isolated environment, accessing only libraries that have been vetted and approved by Anaconda.
However, it’s essential to note that the general availability of Python in Excel is limited to a specific group of users. Currently, only those utilizing Excel for Windows with either an Enterprise or Business Microsoft 365 subscription on the Current Channel can access this feature. Users on unsupported platforms, such as Mac and Android, can view Python code in Excel workbooks, but will encounter errors when attempting to execute calculations. Even the web version of Excel does not support this functionality at present.
Microsoft has indicated plans to extend support to Mac and web users in the future, although specific timelines remain undisclosed. A spokesperson mentioned, “The roadmap will be updated with estimated roll-out dates in the future, but we do not have any dates to share at this time.”
Cost Structure and Future Prospects
For those who have enjoyed the preview of Python in Excel, there is good news: Microsoft has confirmed that any Windows user with a 365 Business or Enterprise license can now use Python in Excel without incurring additional costs. However, certain features are reserved for premium subscribers. Users seeking access to a “premium compute” option or the flexibility to toggle between manual, partial, and automatic Python calculation modes will need to invest $10 per user per month or $100 per user per year.
Meanwhile, users with Family and Personal Microsoft 365 accounts can continue to utilize Python in Excel in its preview form, although no timeline has been provided for a general release for these accounts.
