Microsoft has rolled out a new set of Excel features for August 2025, focusing on automation, compatibility, and improved workflows across Windows, Mac, and web versions. While availability may vary depending on your Microsoft 365 subscription and whether you’re enrolled in the Microsoft Insider Program, here’s what’s new.
1. Auto-Refreshing PivotTables
PivotTables now update automatically when source data changes, eliminating the need for manual refreshes. Auto Refresh is enabled by default in the latest Insider builds of Excel for Windows (Version 2506, Build 19008.2000+) and Mac (Version 16.99, Build 250616106+).
If disabled, an indicator appears in the status bar to warn you the data is out of date. The feature works only when the source data is in the same workbook and may not be available for external data sources or certain volatile functions.
2. Improved Text Functions With Compatibility Versions
Excel’s text functions — including LEN, MID, SEARCH, FIND, and REPLACE — now count Unicode characters like emojis correctly (once instead of twice). To enable, switch to Compatibility Version 2 under Formulas > Calculation Options. This update prevents breaking older spreadsheets by keeping Version 1 as the default for now. New workbooks will default to Version 2 starting January 2026.
3. Modernized ‘Get Data’ Window in Excel for Windows
A redesigned Get Data interface is in preview for Windows Insider builds (Version 2505, Build 18829.20000+). It offers a cleaner layout, easier navigation, and integration with Microsoft’s OneLake catalog for organizational data. This update replaces the old dropdown menu with a dedicated window for importing from files, websites, databases, and cloud sources.
4. Side-by-Side Worksheet View for Excel for Mac
Mac users now have the same one-click “View Side by Side” option long available on Windows. After opening a New Window from the View tab, you can arrange worksheets horizontally, vertically, or tiled — and enable Synchronous Scrolling to navigate both at once. Available on Excel for Mac Version 16.97+ (Build 25041535+).
5. Refresh Power Query in Excel for the Web With Authenticated Sources
You can now refresh Power Query data in Excel for the web when it comes from authenticated sources such as SharePoint, OneDrive, Azure tables, or Exchange Online. After clicking Refresh or Refresh All, simply log in using the appropriate authentication method. Microsoft says it plans to bring the full Power Query Editor to Excel for the web in the future.
Bottom line:
These updates make Excel more dynamic, more accurate when working with modern text data, and more connected to enterprise data sources. While some features remain in preview for Insider users, most are expected to roll out to all Microsoft 365 subscribers in the coming months.
