I’ve noticed that many Excel guides are packed with multiple steps, and I’ll admit, I’ve found myself getting lost in the middle of them too. You start with the best intentions, but before you know it, you’re diving into forums, trying to figure out problems you didn’t even see coming.
That’s why I decided to create a proper guide for you. I’ve compiled everything you need to learn Excel, not just for free but in the easiest way possible. This way, you won’t have to bounce between forums or look for solutions because I’ve already anticipated and solved those issues for you.
Trust me, I’ve been there, and I know how overwhelming it can feel. But with this guide, I’ll walk you through the process step by step, ensuring it’s simple, clear, and completely frustration-free.
Continue reading to find out how to download MS Excel for free and unlock the full version today!
Microsoft Excel App is Free to Use
Microsoft Office app is one of those tools that’s essential for any individual, delivering all the essential tools straight to your fingertips. It combines the capabilities of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint into one cohesive application, making it an ideal solution for productivity while on the move.
For Android users, obtaining the app is effortless—simply navigate to the Google Play Store, locate the Office app, and follow the straightforward installation steps. iPhone and iPad users can accomplish the same via the Apple App Store.
In just a few moments, you’ll gain access to Microsoft’s versatile suite of utilities, enabling you to craft, modify, and organize your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations from virtually anywhere.
How to Download Microsoft Excel on Android for Free
Android offers one of the most user-friendly operating systems, and installing Microsoft Excel on your device is as simple as it gets. Just follow these simple steps, and you'll have your very own personalized Excel app on your Android device in no time, ready to access all your spreadsheets:
Step 1: Open the Google Play Store and type "Microsoft Excel" in the search bar. A quick search will lead you straight to the app.
Step 2: Tap on the "Install" button, and let your device do the rest. The download and installation process usually wraps up in no time.
Step 3: Once installed, find the app in your home screen or app drawer. Launch it to see the familiar interface ready to help you create and edit documents.
Step 4: When opening the app for the first time, you’ll be asked to sign in with your Microsoft account. If you already have one, simply enter your credentials.
Don’t have an account? No worries—you can create one right then and there, free of charge, and you’re all set to unlock the app’s full potential.
How to Download Microsoft Excel on iPhone/iPad
Apple's operating system may take a bit of getting used to, but when it comes to installing apps, it's simple enough for anyone to handle, regardless of which system they're most familiar with. The App Store is easy to navigate, and installing an app is even easier. Here's how you can install the Microsoft Excel app on your Apple device:
Step 1: Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
Step 2: In the search bar, type "Microsoft Excel" and hit enter.
Step 3: Find the app and tap the "Get" button to start the download.
Step 4: You may be prompted to enter your Apple ID password or use Face/Touch ID to authenticate the download.
Step 5: Wait for the app to finish downloading and installing—it won’t take long!
Step 6: Once installed, you can open Microsoft Excel from your home screen.
Microsoft Office for desktop can be pretty expensive, and while downloading cracked versions might seem like a tempting shortcut, it’s not a smart choice. Those cracked copies often come with hidden dangers—malware, viruses, and other risks that could seriously damage your device or put your privacy at risk.
Instead of going down that risky path, why not opt for something better? WPS Office is a great, free alternative that lets you edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files all in one place. It’s easy to use, reliable, and best of all, it won’t cost you a dime. If you're looking for a stress-free, cost-effective solution for all your office needs, WPS Office is a solid pick.
Free Download, Edit, and Save Microsoft Excel Files and Templates
WPS Office is a comprehensive suite that’s designed to make working with spreadsheets, documents, and presentations as smooth as possible. If you're looking for a free alternative to manage your Excel files, WPS Spreadsheet is here to save the day. Here’s why it stands out:
5 Benefits of WPS Spreadsheet to Edit and Save Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets
Completely Free – WPS Spreadsheet offers all the essential features without any hidden charges, making it an affordable choice for those who need a powerful tool without breaking the bank.
Wide Compatibility – It seamlessly handles Excel file formats (.xls, .xlsx, .xlsm) and other common formats, ensuring you can open, edit, and save your documents without a hitch.
Real-Time Collaboration – Whether you're using Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android, WPS Spreadsheet allows for effortless cross-platform collaboration. You can work on the same file with others in real time, regardless of your device.
Tons of Free Templates – With a huge selection of free templates for spreadsheets, you can quickly start building your budget, creating reports, or analyzing data—no need to start from scratch.
How to Open, Edit and Save Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets in WPS
You can start editing your Excel spreadsheets with WPS Office effortlessly, and by default, there are two easy ways to help you get started.
The "Open With" Method:
This is a simple and default Windows method:
Step 1: Right-click on the Excel spreadsheet you want to edit to open the context menu, then select "Open with".
Step 2: From the list of apps, select "WPS Office" to open your spreadsheet with WPS Office.
In-App Method:
Another way to open your spreadsheet is directly through WPS Office.
Step 1: Launch WPS Office on your PC or Mac and navigate to the folder where your spreadsheet is saved. For example, if it's on your PC, go to the "Local" section and select the appropriate path.
Step 2: Once you're in the correct folder, you'll see all your files displayed directly in the WPS Office app, making it quicker and simpler to locate the file without switching between different windows.
If you already have a Microsoft 365 subscription or a valid Microsoft Office license, downloading Microsoft Excel shouldn’t really pose as much of a difficulty for you.
How to Download Microsoft Excel from Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365’s abilities don’t just stop at being productivity tools, it completely shifts the paradigm on how you work, collaborate, and organize your life. With a Microsoft 365 subscription, you get access to Excel, along with essential apps like Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook—all in one package.
You can download Excel as part of the suite and start working on your projects in no time. If you haven’t subscribed yet, you can still explore Excel and the full suite with a one-month free trial of Microsoft 365. It’s the perfect way to test out all the powerful features without any commitment.
Steps to Download Microsoft Excel 365 on Windows 11/10
Step 1: Open your favorite browser and go to the official Microsoft 365 website. Log in using your personal, work, or school account by clicking on the ”Sign in” button. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create it—it only takes a minute!
Step 2: After logging in, look for the "Products" tab on the homepage. Hover over it and click “Office 365” to access the subscription options.
Step 3: By clicking on the “Buy Microsoft 365” button you can explore the available plans, choose the one that best fits your needs, and click “Buy Now”.
Note: If you already have a subscription, skip ahead to Step 5.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts to purchase the subscription. Don’t forget, there’s a one-month free trial if you want to explore without immediate commitment!
Step 5: Once you’ve logged in or completed your purchase, click “Install and more” in the upper-right corner. This downloads the installer for the full suite, including Excel.
Step 6: Open the downloaded file and follow the instructions to install Office. Be sure to stay connected to the internet during the installation.
Step 7: Once the installation is complete, click the Start menu (or search bar) and type “Excel”. Pin Excel to your taskbar or Start menu for quick access if you use it regularly.
System requirements:
Operating System: Windows 11 or Windows 10, version 1809 or later.
Processor: 1.6 GHz or faster, 2-core.
Memory: 4 GB RAM or more.
Hard Disk Space: 4 GB available.
Display: 1280 x 768 screen resolution.
Steps to Download Microsoft 365 on Mac
Follow these steps to download and install Microsoft 365 on your MacOS.
Step 1: Go to the Microsoft website and either register for a Microsoft 365 subscription or log in to your current account.
Step 2: Once logged in, click on "Install Office" on the homepage.
Step 3: Select "Install" to begin the downloading process.
Step 4: After the installer package is downloaded, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to install Microsoft Excel.
Step 5: Open the downloaded package file; (.pkg), and follow the on-screen prompts to install Office on your Mac. Be patient as the installation may take a few minutes.
Step 6: Once installed, open Finder, navigate to the “Applications” folder, and look for “Microsoft Excel”.
Note: You can also search for it using Spotlight (Command + Space).
Step 7: Launch Excel, log in with your Microsoft account, and activate your subscription to start using the app.
System requirements:
Operating System: macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later
Processor: Apple Silicon processor
RAM: 4 GB minimum
Storage: 10 GB of available disk space
Internet Connection: Required for download and activation
Pros of Microsoft Excel of Microsoft 365
Real-time collaboration allowing multiple users to work simultaneously
Cloud storage and automatic saving through OneDrive integration
Regular updates with new features and security patches
Cons of Microsoft Excel of Microsoft 365
Requires ongoing subscription cost rather than one-time purchase
Performance may slow with large datasets in web version
May have compatibility issues with older Excel versions
Offers fewer built-in templates compared to some competitors unless supplemented by third-party options
How to Download Microsoft Excel from Office 2021
Microsoft Office 2021 offers a one-time purchase option that includes Word. Once installed, you can use Word 2021 without recurring payments. However, note that Office 2021 is a standalone product, meaning it will not receive future feature updates, such as the latest AI-powered tools like Microsoft Copilot.
Steps to Download Microsoft Excel 2021 on Windows or Mac
Step 1: Access the Microsoft website or the appropriate app store on your computer (PC/Mac).
Step 2: Use the search functionality to find Microsoft Word 2021.
Step 3: Select either "Download" or "Buy" based on your preference.
Step 4: For purchases, authenticate with your Microsoft account and complete payment.
Step 5: Allow the setup file to download to your device.
Step 6: Launch the downloaded installer and follow the setup wizard to complete installation on your PC or Mac.
System requirements:
Operating System: Windows 10 or later | macOS Monterey or later
Processor:
Windows: 1.6 GHz or faster, dual-core
Mac: Intel processor or Apple silicon
Memory (RAM):
Windows: 4 GB
Mac: 4 GB
Hard Disk Space: 4 GB of available space
Display Resolution: 1280 x 768 or higher
Pros of Microsoft Excel of Office 2021
One-Time Purchase: A single upfront payment grants you lifetime access to Excel, making it more affordable than an annual subscription over time.
Perpetual License: Once purchased, you can continue using Excel 2021 without worrying about renewal fees, ensuring uninterrupted spreadsheet editing and analysis.
Cons of Microsoft Excel of Office 2021
No Free Updates: Excel 2021 does not receive feature updates, meaning new tools and functionalities available in subscription plans like Microsoft 365 are inaccessible.
Feature Limitations: Compared to Microsoft 365, Excel 2021 lacks advanced features like AI-powered insights, dynamic arrays, or enhanced collaboration tools.
How to Download Microsoft Excel 2019/2016/2013
Older versions of Microsoft Excel, including 2019, 2016, and 2013, are no longer available for direct purchase from the Microsoft website. However, if you already own any of these versions, you can update Excel for free through your Microsoft Account center.
Here’s how you can update an older version of Microsoft Excel through your Microsoft Account center:
Step 1: Sign in to your Microsoft account dashboard using the credentials linked to your specific Office version.
Step 2: Go to the "Services and Subscriptions" tab at the top of the page and locate the product you wish to install.
Step 3: Select the “Run” or “Download” option in your browser to initiate the installation process.
Step 4: Once the installation is complete, you can access the applications on your device.
System Requirements of Microsoft Excel 2019/2016/2013
Operating System: Windows 10 or later (for Excel 2019), Windows 7 or later (for Excel 2016/2013).
Processor: 1 GHz or faster, x86/x64-bit processor.
Memory: 2 GB RAM (64-bit) or 1 GB RAM (32-bit).
Storage: 3 GB of available hard disk space.
How to Download Microsoft Excel 2010/2007
Excel 2010 and 2007 were part of the Microsoft Office 2010 and 2007 suites. Standalone versions of Excel were unavailable at the time. Microsoft discontinued sales for Office 2007 in 2012 and for Office 2010 in 2020. If you have a valid product key and installation disc, you can still install the software.
Steps to Download Microsoft Excel 2010/2007 with Disc and Product Key
Step 1: Place the Microsoft Office installation disc into your computer's disc drive.
Step 2: If the installation doesn't begin automatically, navigate to "My Computer" (or "This PC" on Windows 10) and double-click the disc drive icon to initiate the setup.
Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to install Microsoft Office.
Step 4: When prompted, enter the product key found on the sticker inside the disc case or on the case itself.
Step 5: After entering the product key, proceed with the installation and wait for it to complete.
Step 6: Once installed, open Microsoft Excel and activate the software.
System Requirements of Microsoft Word 2010/2007
Operating System: Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista, or later.
Processor: 500 MHz or higher.
Memory: 256 MB RAM (Excel 2007) or 512 MB RAM (Excel 2010).
Storage: 3 GB of available hard disk space.
How to Fix Microsoft Excel Download Fails
1. Check System Requirements
Ensure your device meets the minimum system requirements for the Excel version you're trying to download.
2. Verify Device Limits
Microsoft 365 subscriptions are limited to 5 devices per account. Exceeding this limit can cause download failures.
3. Uninstall Older Office Versions
If you’re upgrading from Office 2021/2019 to Microsoft 365, uninstall the older version first to avoid conflicts during installation.
4. Test Internet Connection
A stable internet connection is essential. If the download process is stuck, troubleshoot your network.
Avoid Downloading Microsoft Excel from Third-party Websites
Security Risks: Cracked or unauthorized software may contain malware.
Hidden Costs: Third-party sites might charge additional fees.
Reliability Issues: Unofficial software may not work correctly or could be outdated.
Data Loss: Incompatible versions could lead to corrupted or lost files.
Issues of Using an Old Version of Microsoft Excel
Compatibility Problems: Files created in newer versions may not open correctly.
Missing Features: Lack of modern functions like AI tools or enhanced collaboration options.
Performance Bugs: Older versions may suffer from lagging or glitches.
How to Update Microsoft Excel
Updating Microsoft Excel ensures you enjoy the latest features, improved performance, and critical security patches. Here’s a detailed guide:
Step 1: Launch Microsoft Excel on your PC or Mac and click on the "Account" tab located in the bottom left corner of the left pane.
Step 2: On the Account page, find the "Update Options" button in the middle and click it to check for available updates.
Step 3: If updates are available, you can choose to schedule them.
Note: Ensure all your work is saved before beginning the update.
For Microsoft 365 Subscribers
Microsoft 365 subscribers benefit from automatic updates as part of their plan, offering access to cutting-edge tools and improvements.
Open Excel: Launch the app and go to the top-left corner.
Navigate to Update Options: Click File > Account > Update Options.
Check for Updates: Select Update Now to start the update process. This will automatically download and install the latest version.
For One-Time Purchase Users (Office 2021/2019)
Office 2021 and 2019 come with a fixed feature set and do not include free updates. Users looking for newer features must upgrade to a Microsoft 365 subscription or purchase newer versions.
Updates are limited to security and stability improvements, not feature enhancements.
To upgrade, uninstall the current version and install the desired Office version or subscription.
Upcoming Microsoft Copilot - ChatGPT AI Feature
Microsoft is introducing Copilot, an AI-powered assistant designed to transform the Excel experience by leveraging ChatGPT technology.
Automated Data Analysis: Quickly interpret trends, summarize large datasets, and visualize key insights without manual effort.
Smart Formula Generation: Build complex formulas based on natural language prompts. For example, you can ask Copilot, "Create a formula to calculate monthly growth percentage".
Automated Chart Creation: The AI assistant can generate charts and PivotTables based on user queries, streamlining the process of data visualization and reporting
What’s New in Each Version of Microsoft Excel?
Excel 2021 and Microsoft 365
XLOOKUP Function: This powerful function replaces older lookup functions like VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP, allowing users to search for a value in a range and return a corresponding value from another range, regardless of their positions.
XMATCH Function: Similar to XLOOKUP, XMATCH returns the relative position of an item in a specified range, enhancing search capabilities.
Dynamic Arrays: Introduced several new functions that allow formulas to return multiple values that "spill" into adjacent cells.
Excel 2019
New Functions: Introduced functions such as TEXTJOIN function, or Funnel Charts and Map Charts, and few more.
Improved Inking Features: Enhanced tools for drawing and writing directly on spreadsheets, making it easier to annotate data.
Accessibility Improvements: New features that help users create more accessible content, including an Accessibility Checker that identifies potential issues.
Excel 2016
Power Query Enhancements: Improved data import and transformation capabilities, allowing users to connect to various data sources more easily.
Forecast Sheet Tools: Built-in forecasting tools that simplify the process of creating forecasts based on historical data.
Improved Collaboration Features: Added support for real-time co-authoring and version history tracking.
Excel 2013
Flash Fill: Automatically fills in values based on patterns recognized from user input, streamlining data entry tasks.
Slicers for Tables: Enhanced filtering options for tables, allowing users to visually filter data easily.
Excel 2010
Customizable Ribbon Interface: Users can personalize the Ribbon by adding frequently used commands for easier access.
Improved Graphics and Image Editing Tools: Enhanced features for working with images within spreadsheets.
New Text Effects and Typography Options: Additional formatting options for text within cells and charts.
Excel 2007
Ribbon-Based User Interface: Introduction of the Ribbon interface improved navigation and accessibility of features compared to previous versions.
New Themes and Styles: A variety of new themes and styles were added for better customization of spreadsheets.
FAQs about Microsoft Office
1. What happens to my Excel document if I don't renew my Microsoft 365 subscription?
If your Microsoft 365 subscription expires, you will only have permission to view your Excel spreadsheets, not edit them. To regain editing access, you can switch to alternatives like WPS Spreadsheet, which is not only free but also very similar to Microsoft Excel, making it easy to use.
2. Subscription and one-time purchase, which is better?
The decision ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. A one-time purchase provides lifetime access to the product but lacks regular updates. On the other hand, a subscription ensures your software stays current, automatically upgrading to the latest version whenever updates are released.
3. Can I download Microsoft Excel for free as a student?
If your institution offers an education version license, you can use your email to register and download Microsoft Office for free. Moreover, having a ".edu" email address can provide a 10% discount, but you'll still need to pay a monthly fee to keep your Microsoft Office subscription active.
An alternative worth considering is WPS Office, which is a great option for students. It provides a free version with many features, including support for different document formats and tools suitable for your academic requirements.
4. Can I use Microsoft Excel Offline?
Yes, you can use Microsoft Excel offline. You can create, edit, and save files without an internet connection, provided that you have previously opened the files while online. However, to access cloud-stored files offline, you need to download them first or mark them as available offline on your device. Changes made while offline will sync to the cloud once you reconnect to the internet.
5. Can I transfer my Microsoft Excel license to a new computer?
You can transfer your Microsoft Excel license to a new computer, but you need to follow specific steps. If you have a one-time purchase version, such as Office 2021, 2019, or 2016, first uninstall Excel from your old computer. Then, install it on the new computer using your Microsoft account. Keep in mind that you can only transfer the license once every 90 days unless it's due to hardware failure, in which case you can do it sooner.
Choosing the Right Spreadsheet Tool: Excel or WPS Office?
You can’t go wrong with a good spreadsheet tool, and it’s no surprise that Microsoft Office has always been a paid service—it’s a trusted leader offering robust features for everything from data analysis to automation. However, if the cost of Excel feels like a barrier, WPS Office stands out as an excellent alternative.
With tools that rival Excel, WPS Office provides all the essentials—advanced formulas, pivot tables, dynamic charts—while continuously evolving with cutting-edge features like AI-powered functionalities. It’s a budget-friendly, reliable option that ensures you stay productive and up-to-date without compromising on quality.
