Copilot in Excel (Completed)

In this presentation, author and Excel expert David H. Ringstrom, CPA, will explore the transformative capabilities of Microsoft Copilot within Microsoft 365 for Windows, focusing on how to enhance productivity and streamline data management. Attendees will learn about the AutoSave feature, the benefits of both the free and Pro versions of Microsoft Copilot, and strategies for disabling distracting icons to maintain focus. David will also introduce techniques for cleaning data efficiently with Copilot, demonstrating how to compare data before and after cleanup and address common data issues automatically. Additionally, participants will discover the power of the COPILOT worksheet function, including interpreting formula error values and utilizing LAMBDA to automate repetitive AI calls. Finally, David will showcase how to leverage ChatGPT for as an alternative to Copilot for writing and deconstructing formulas, as well as creating Excel macros. Microsoft Copilot’s capabilities are changing rapidly, so the topic mix for this webinar will be updated as needed to keep you abreast of the latest Copilot developments.

David H. Ringstrom, CPA, has more than 30 years of experience as a spreadsheet and accounting software consultant and speaker. He has presented over 2,500 live webinars and is the author or co-author of ten books, including “Microsoft 365 Excel All-in-One for Dummies”, “Microsoft 365 Excel for Dummies”, “Exploring Microsoft Excel’s Hidden Treasures”, and “QuickBooks Online for Dummies”.

In his webinars, David demonstrates every technique twice: first on a PowerPoint slide with numbered steps and then live in Excel for Microsoft 365 for Windows. He highlights any differences in Excel 2024, 2021, or 2019 during the presentation and in his detailed handouts. Attendees also receive an Excel workbook containing most of the examples he uses, making it easy to follow along and apply the techniques later. David additionally supports Excel for Mac users by answering their follow-up questions via email.

Who Should Attend
Professionals seeking to enhance their Excel skills, streamline data management, and leverage AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT for improved productivity and efficiency.

Topics Covered

• Exploring the requirements and constraints of Microsoft Copilot in Excel
• Transforming inconsistent values into polished results with the Clean Data feature
• Removing blanks, duplicates, and formatting problems
• Knowing when to switch to Power Query or manual tools
• Utilizing the COPILOT worksheet function for enhanced data analysis and automation
• Identifying the various # sign errors Excel formulas can return
• Create your own custom worksheet functions without writing any code in Microsoft 365
• Deconstructing existing formulas by asking ChatGPT to explain the formula in detail as an alternative to Copilot
• Automating repetitive tasks in Excel by having ChatGPT write Visual Basic for Applications programming code as an alternative to Copilot

Learning Objectives

• Recall how to use the COPILOT function in Excel to generate formula suggestions, interpret results, and apply natural-language queries within a worksheet
• Identify the requirements and limitations of the AutoSave feature in Microsoft Excel, including supported file types, storage locations, and how to enable or disable the feature
• Recognize valid syntax and argument requirements when creating a LAMBDA function in Excel to build a custom worksheet function

Level
Intermediate

Instructional Method
Group: Internet-based

NASBA Field of Study
Information Technology (2 hours)

Program Prerequisites
Prior experience with Microsoft Excel is recommended.

Advance Preparation
None