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How to Install Excel Add-ins (Extensions)

How to Install Excel Add-ins (Extensions)

Step-by-Step Guide for Excel Desktop Application

Method 1: From Excel's Built-In Add-ins Store

Step 1: Open Excel

  • Launch Microsoft Excel on your computer.

Step 2: Go to the Add-ins Menu

  • Click on the "Insert" tab on the ribbon.

  • Click on “Get Add-ins” (you might also see it as "Office Add-ins" depending on your version).

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Step 3: Browse the Office Add-ins Store

  • A window will pop up with the Office Add-ins Store.

  • You can:

    • Use the search bar to look for specific add-ins.

    • Browse categories like Productivity, Education, etc.

Step 4: Select and Add the Extension

  • Click on the add-in you want.

  • Click “Add” or “Install”.

  • Agree to any terms of service if prompted.

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Step 5: Use the Add-in

  • Once added, the extension will usually appear:

    • In the Insert tab,

    • Or in its own custom tab on the ribbon,

    • Or in a task pane on the side.

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Method 2: Manually Installing an Add-in (From a File/Download)

If you’ve downloaded an add-in file (.xlam, .xla, or .dll), here’s how to install it:

Step 1: Open Excel

  • Start Microsoft Excel.

Step 2: Go to Options

  • Click File > Options > Add-ins.

Step 3: Manage Add-ins

  • At the bottom, next to Manage, choose Excel Add-ins from the dropdown and click Go.

Step 4: Browse for the File

  • In the Add-Ins dialog box, click Browse.

  • Navigate to where your .xlam or .xla file is saved.

  • Select it and click OK.

Step 5: Enable the Add-in

  • Make sure the checkbox next to the add-in name is selected.

  • Click OK to finish.

🛠 Optional: Trust Center Settings (For Security Warnings)

If Excel gives you a security warning:

  1. Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings.

  2. Click Add-ins and ensure your settings allow trusted add-ins.

  3. You can also add the file location to Trusted Locations.

Step-by-Step Guide for Excel Web App

Step 1: Open Excel Online

  • Go to https://www.office.com

  • Sign in with your Microsoft account (school email e.g. sseagull1@gulls.salisbury.edu).

  • Open Excel from the Office dashboard.

  • Open an existing workbook or create a new one.

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Step 2: Open the Add-ins Menu

  • In your Excel workbook, go to the "Home" tab in the toolbar at the top.

  • Click on “Add-ins” or “Office Add-ins” from the ribbon.

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Step 3: Browse or Search for Add-ins

  • A new pane or dialog box will appear showing the Office Add-ins Store.

  • You can:

    • Search for a specific add-in by name (e.g., "Lucidchart", "Mini Calendar").

    • Browse by category like Productivity, Education, Data Visualization, etc.

Step 4: Add the Extension

  • Click on the desired add-in.

  • Then click “Add” to install it.

  • If prompted, grant permissions to the add-in.

Step 5: Use the Add-in

  • The add-in will appear either:

    • In the toolbar (usually under the Home or Insert tab), or

    • As a task pane on the right side of the screen.

  • Click it to launch and use its features within your workbook.

🔧Managing Your Add-ins

You can manage installed add-ins by:

  1. Going to Home> Add-ins > More Add-ins.

  2. From here, you can:

    • Remove add-ins you no longer need.

    • Launch or reinstall add-ins.

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📌 Notes for Excel Web Add-ins

  • Excel for the web does not support COM or VBA-based add-ins — only Office Add-ins built with web technologies (HTML, JavaScript).

  • Some advanced add-ins may require a subscription.

  • Add-ins installed in Excel web can often be accessed from Excel desktop (and vice versa) if you're signed in with the same account.

 

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