Microsoft Adds Grok to Copilot in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as Multi-Model Strategy Expands

Microsoft has introduced SpaceXAI's Grok models into Microsoft 365 Copilot, giving business users another AI model choice inside Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. CEO Satya Nadella confirmed the rollout on September 12, 2026.

Microsoft began moving away from an OpenAI-only approach last year when it added Anthropic's Claude models to products including Researcher and Copilot Studio. Since early this year, the latest Claude models have been available in Copilot Cowork, Copilot Studio, and Copilot in Excel. Grok represents the third major external model added to the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

The rollout is currently limited to customers in the Microsoft Frontier program, a preview tier that allows Microsoft to gather feedback before a broader release. Microsoft has not specified which Grok model version is available. SpaceXAI's latest frontier model is Grok 4.6.

Key Takeaways

• IT admins must explicitly enable Grok. SpaceXAI has been added to Microsoft's Online Services Subprocessor List because some customer data may be processed by SpaceXAI when Grok is used. Admins retain visibility and control over data processed in supported Copilot experiences.
• EU, EFTA, and UK customers are excluded from the preview. Grok will not be available to Frontier customers in those regions during this phase.
• Chinese models may follow. Microsoft noted interest in potentially adding models such as DeepSeek, Kimi, and Qwen to Microsoft 365 Copilot, though no timeline was given.

Microsoft's multi-model strategy gives enterprise customers flexibility in choosing which AI model handles their productivity tasks, while keeping data governance controls at the IT admin level. The move also reduces dependency on any single AI provider.

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