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Free Download Microsoft Excel 2016 [Step-by-step Guide]

March 13, 2024 18.0K views

Microsoft Excel is the famous spreadsheet software offered by Microsoft. Microsoft Excel helps users to format, organize and calculate data. You can also use Microsoft Excel for data analysis, manipulation, and extraction. However, Microsoft Excel 2016 is an old version, followed by Excel 2019, 2021, and the latest Microsoft 365 Excel.

Microsoft Excel 2016

Can you still use Microsoft Excel 2016 now? How to get Microsoft Excel 2016 free download with or without a product key? Is there any best alternative to Microsoft Excel 2016? This article will give you a step-by-step guide to free download Microsoft Excel 2016. We will also discuss its best alternatives if you do not want to use Excel.

Can I Still Use Microsoft Excel 2016 In 2024?

While Microsoft Excel 2016 included in Microsoft Office 2016 is an old software version, it is still functional and can be used in 2024. However, mainstream support by Microsoft ended on October 13, 2020, and extended support for most editions of Office 2016 will end on October 14, 2025. Therefore, it may not be compatible with newer hardware and operating systems.

Reinstall Microsoft Excel 2016 With Your Product Key

Microsoft Excel 2016 is a part of the Office 2016 suite. At that time, the standalone Excel was not available. If you bought Office 2016 earlier and still have the product key, you can reinstall the entire Microsoft Office 2016 to use Microsoft Excel 2016.

Steps to Reinstall Microsoft Excel 2016

  • Go to the Official website of Microsoft Office.

  • Sign in with the same Microsoft account you used while getting a subscription to Microsoft Office 2016.

  • After signing in, click on Install Office.

Install Office
  • On the next pop-up window, again hit Install.

Install Office 2016
  • The Office setup file will be downloaded on your PC. Open it to run the setup.

Run the setup file
  • Hit on the Yes button to install the setup file on your PC.

Microsoft Office installation dialogue box
  • The installation process will start. Wait for a while to complete the installation.

installation in progress
  • Congratulations, you have reinstalled Microsoft Office 2016. You can use Microsoft Excel 2016 now.

System Requirements For Microsoft Excel 2016 Free Download

Microsoft Office 2016 comes in many versions e.g. Office Home & Student 2016 and Office Home & Business 2016, Office Professional 2016, and Office Professional Plus 2016. The system requirements for each version are given below.

Office Home & Student 2016

  • Processor - 1 GHz or faster x86-bit or x64-bit processor

  • Memory - 2 GB RAM

  • Hard Disk Space - 3 GB of available disk space

  • Display - PC: 1024 x 768 screen resolution.

  • OS - Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, or Windows Server 2012.

The above-stated requirements are the same for Office Home & Business 2016, Office Professional 2016, and Office Professional Plus 2016.

How To Get Free Microsoft Excel 2016 From Third Party?

Are you wondering whether Microsoft Excel 2016 is still available for purchase on the Microsoft website? Microsoft Excel 2016 is an older version unavailable on Microsoft Store. If you still want to use Excel 2016, you can get a one-time purchase from retailers with a copy of Microsoft Office 2016. You can select any version from Office Home & Student 2016, Office Home & Business 2016, Office Professional 2016, and Office Professional Plus 2016.

However, getting a copy of Office 2016 from a third party website is unsafe. We will not recommend doing so because it might contain viruses or malware and can harm your computer.

The Best Alternatives Of Microsoft Excel 2016

1. Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 is the latest and modern Office version from Microsoft. It includes all apps, including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc. It is integrated with OneDrive and automatically saves your spreadsheets to the cloud. You can easily access your spreadsheets from anywhere.


Microsoft 365 Excel

Microsoft Excel 2016

Function and features

Modern interface,

Powerful collaborative features,

Integration with OneDrive,

Access your Excel files from anywhere

Time saving shortcut keys,

Goal seek analysis tool,

Data filter option,

Special paste features,

Free microsoft excel templates

System requirements

1.6 GHz or faster 2-core x86 or 64-bit processor,

2 GB RAM (32-bit),

4 GB RAM (64-bit),

4 GB disk space,

1024 x 768 monitor resolution,

Available for Windows 10 64 bit & 32 bit, Windows 8 and Server 2012

1 GB RAM (32-bit),

2 GB RAM (64-bit),

1 GHz or faster x86- or x64-bit processor

3 GB hard disk,

Available for Windows Server 2012, Windows 10 or Windows 8

Pros

Enhanced security,

Multiple functions,

Excellent collaboration,

Easy access

Highly customizable,

Equipped with all modern features,

Easy to use,

Cons

Need some training to use,

Not for everyone,

Subscription based

Lack some functions than that of 2019, 2021 and Microsoft 365,

Minimized cloud functionality

Price

Free to $12.50 per month with different subscription plans for home and business use.

It is available with Third party retailers only. The price of MS Excel 2016 is different as per package.

Steps to Download and Activate

  • Visit the official website of Microsoft Office. Click on the Buy Now button.

Microsoft website
  • Log in with your Microsoft account.

  • Select your desired version i.e. Home or Business of Microsoft 365.

  • Select your payment option.

Select payment options
  • Enter your payment details and click on the Next button.

  • Select if you want to install the desktop apps or mobile apps and Click on Install Office. Microsoft 365 will be downloaded and installed on your PC. Enjoy using it.

  • You can also use Microsoft Excel free online full version by going to  the Microsoft 365 web solution website.

Different download options

2. WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet is a free and professional data analysis tool offered by WPS Office. It is the best alternative to Microsoft Excel. It has all the functions and capabilities of Microsoft Excel. It is also compatible with all file formats of MS Excel.

WPS Spreadsheet

Features and Pros Of WPS Spreadsheet

  • Free to use

  • Also available as a web version

  • Create Exquisite Charts with Free Templates

  • Compatible with all Microsoft Excel File Formats

Different WPS Spreadsheet Save As options
  • The tabbed viewing interface allows you to quickly switch between different tabs in a single window.

  • Free conversion between Excel and PDF file versions

  • Integration with WPS Cloud

WPS Spreadsheet is part of the WPS Office suite. You can download the complete Office suite to get the Spreadsheet software. WPS Office works on all major operating systems including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.

WPS supports various platforms

Steps to download WPS Office

  • Visit the official website of WPS Office.

  • Hit on the Download button.

WPS Office download
  • Run the installer and wait for the installation process to complete.

WPS installation wizard
  • Open WPS Office after the installation process is completed,

WPS Office Main page


WPS Office: Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE, No Ads.

3. Google Sheets

Google Workspace is a web-based Office productivity solution. It includes Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Forms, and similar other Office apps. Google Sheets offered by Google Workspace is a modern, robust, and user-friendly spreadsheet software that is free to use. You can easily share all your documents with your team members so that all can work simultaneously on a single project.

Google Sheets

Features And Pros Of Google Sheets

  • No need for installation, web-based spreadsheet solution

  • Synchronize your documents on multiple logged-in devices

  • Automatically saves your documents to Google Drive

  • Supports multiple file formats

  • Screen sharing feature during conference calls

  • Get faster data insights with built-in intelligence

  • Easily edit Microsoft Excel files without converting them

Price

Google Sheets is free to use for personal use. However, if you need advanced features for business purposes you can select the Business version for $12 USD per month.

System Requirements

Google Sheets can be used with Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari  browsers.

4. Apple Numbers

Apple Numbers is a spreadsheet software designed for MacOS and iOS devices only. You can create beautiful spreadsheets with its modern interface and powerful functions. It has hundreds of built-in functions to make your calculations easier.

Apple Numbers

Features And Pros

  • Stunning data visualization with radar and donut charts, interactive graphs, and a library of 700+ customizable shapes

  • Ready-to-use templates

  • Use Apple Pencil to add diagrams and illustrations on your iPad

  • Teams can work together with real-time collaboration

Price

It is free on Mac and iOS devices.

System Requirements

  • A Mac device with macOS 12.3 or later and Numbers 13.0 or later

  • An iPhone with iOS 13.4 or later

Download Office Suites On Official Websites

It is your choice to select among any of the above listed spreadsheets software. However, we recommend downloading your desired spreadsheet software from its official website. Do not use pirated software available on different third-party websites. You may encounter the following problems while using the software downloaded from third part website;

  • It might contain viruses and malware

  • No official technical support for illegally downloaded software

  • Third-party websites may force you to download other software also without your intention

  • No advanced features included in pirated software

FAQs about Microsoft Excel 2016 Free Download

Why is my Office 365 still showing Office 2016?

Try reinstalling your Microsoft 365 suite. Go to Settings > Add or remove programs > Look for any Microsoft Office 2016 application and uninstall it. Restart your computer and install Microsoft 365 again.

Is Excel 2016 compatible with Office 365?

The support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 will end in October 2025. Till then, Office 2016 and 2019 will continue to work with Microsoft 365.

Can I get Microsoft Excel 2016 free download in 2024?

No, Microsoft Excel 2016 is not available for free download. You can purchase a licensed copy of Excel 2021 or subscribe to Microsoft 365, which includes Excel, and access it online.

Can I get Microsoft Excel Mac?

Yes, Microsoft excel is also available for Mac and iOS devices.

Summary

You can get Microsoft Excel download for Windows 10/ windows 8, Mac and mobile devices. You can use any of the above-mentioned spreadsheet software.There are many other spreadsheet programs also available to use e.g. Quip, Zoho Sheets, OriginPro, and LibreOffice. However, WPS Office Spreadsheet software is the best solution. It is free to use, supports all Microsoft Office file formats, and has all the advanced features of Microsoft Office. You can get it for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices. It is available for free on the WPS Office official website.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.