Agent Mode in Excel¶

Excel MCP's Agent Mode lets users watch AI operations happen in real-time. Instead of hidden automation, users see Excel respond to commands live — like Microsoft's Agent Mode in Excel, but with the full power of 225 COM-level operations.

MCP Server feature only. Agent Mode uses conversational UI to ask about visibility preferences.

When to Offer Agent Mode¶

Always ask the user at session start whether they want Excel visible or hidden. Present two clear choices using action cards:

Watch me work — Show Excel side-by-side so you see every change live. Operations run slightly slower because Excel renders each update on screen.

Work in background — Keep Excel hidden for maximum speed. You won't see changes until the task is done, but operations complete faster.

Skip asking only when the user has already stated a preference: - User says "show me", "let me watch", "I want to see" → Show immediately - User says "just do it", "work in background" → Keep hidden - Simple one-shot operations (e.g., "what's in A1?") → Keep hidden, no need to ask

Three Workflows¶

1. Agent Mode — Interactive Side-by-Side¶

User watches AI build a spreadsheet in real-time, side-by-side with the AI assistant.

1. file(open, path='report.xlsx')
2. window(show)                                    → Make visible
3. window(arrange, preset='right-half')            → Excel on right, AI on left
4. window(set-status-bar, text='Creating headers...') → Live feedback
5. range(set-values, ...)                          → User sees data appear
6. window(set-status-bar, text='Building PivotTable...')
7. pivottable(create, ...)                         → User sees PivotTable form
8. window(set-status-bar, text='Adding chart...')
9. chart(create-from-range, ...)                   → User sees chart render
10. window(clear-status-bar)                       → Clean up status bar
11. ASK: "I've finished the report. Would you like me to save and close, or keep it open?"

Key behaviors: - Status bar shows what operation is in progress - Ask before closing — user may want to inspect or make manual changes - Narrate findings alongside visual changes

2. Presentation Mode — Guided Walkthrough¶

AI navigates through a completed workbook, explaining findings while the user watches.

1. file(open, path='analysis.xlsx')
2. window(show)
3. window(set-state, windowState='maximized')      → Full screen for best visibility
4. window(set-status-bar, text='Reviewing Sales sheet...')
5. "On the Sales sheet, you can see quarterly revenue trending up 15%..."
6. worksheet(activate, name='Analysis')            → Switch to next sheet
7. window(set-status-bar, text='Reviewing Analysis sheet...')
8. "The Analysis sheet shows the PivotTable breakdown by region..."
9. screenshot(capture-sheet)                       → Capture for AI context
10. window(clear-status-bar)
11. "Here's what I found: [summary with insights]"

Key behaviors: - Maximized for full visibility - Navigate sheets while narrating - Screenshots at key points for AI context - End with comprehensive summary

3. Debug Mode — Step-by-Step Inspection¶

AI performs operations one at a time, showing results between each step for troubleshooting.

1. file(open, path='broken.xlsx')
2. window(show)
3. window(arrange, preset='right-half')
4. window(set-status-bar, text='Inspecting Power Query...')
5. powerquery(list)
6. "Found 3 queries. Let me check each one..."
7. powerquery(view, queryName='Sales')
8. window(set-status-bar, text='Refreshing Sales query...')
9. powerquery(refresh, queryName='Sales')
10. screenshot(capture-sheet)                      → Show result
11. "Sales query refreshed successfully. 150 rows loaded. Moving to next..."
12. window(set-status-bar, text='Refreshing Products query...')
13. powerquery(refresh, queryName='Products')
14. "Products query failed: [error]. Let me fix the M code..."
15. window(clear-status-bar)

Key behaviors: - Pause between operations to show intermediate state - Screenshot after each significant step - Narrate what's happening and what was found - Ideal for diagnosing query failures, formula errors, data issues

Status Bar Best Practices¶

Use window(set-status-bar) to show operation progress in Excel's status bar:

Always clear with window(clear-status-bar) when the workflow completes.

Only set when visible: Status bar text is only useful when Excel is visible. Skip status bar calls when Excel is hidden.

Asking About Visibility¶

When starting a session, present the visibility choice as action cards so the user can pick with one click:

Watch me work — Show Excel side-by-side so you see every change live. Operations run slightly slower because Excel renders each update on screen.

Work in background — Keep Excel hidden for maximum speed. You won't see changes until the task is done, but operations complete faster.

If the user picks "Watch me work": 1. window(show) → Make Excel visible 2. window(arrange, preset='right-half') → Position for side-by-side 3. Use window(set-status-bar) throughout the workflow for live progress

If the user picks "Work in background" or doesn't respond, keep Excel hidden and skip all status bar calls.