Keeping Excel up to date gives you the latest features (like new functions and Copilot tools in Microsoft 365), bug fixes and security patches. How you update depends on which version you have: Microsoft 365 and most Office 2016–2024 installs update from inside Excel, the Microsoft Store version updates through the Store, and some older business installs update through Windows Update. This guide covers each on Windows 10.
Quick Answer
Open Excel and click File > Account (or Office Account). Click Update Options > Update Now. Excel checks for updates, downloads them and asks you to close Office apps to finish.
Method 1: Update From Inside Excel (Most Versions)
- Open Excel (any workbook or a blank one).
- Click File, then Account at the bottom left.
- Under Product Information, click Update Options.
- Click Update Now.
- Save your work and close Office apps if asked. When it finishes, you’ll see “You’re up to date!”
This updates all your Office apps (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and so on) together. If Update Options shows Enable Updates, click it first, then Update Now.
Method 2: Microsoft Store Version
If Office was installed from the Microsoft Store, open the Microsoft Store, click Library, and click Get updates. Turn on automatic app updates in the Store’s settings.
Method 3: Windows Update (Volume-Licensed or MSI Installs)
Some older Office versions installed by businesses (MSI installs) update through Windows Update:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options.
- Turn on Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows.
- Go back and click Check for updates.
If there’s no Update Options button on the Account page, your organization may manage updates; check with IT.
Check Your Excel Version
On the File > Account page, click About Excel. The version and build number appear at the top, along with the update channel (for example Current Channel). Microsoft publishes update history by version number if you need to compare.
Upgrade From an Older Excel
Updates keep your current version patched, but they don’t upgrade one-time-purchase versions (like Excel 2016) to a newer release. Microsoft ended support for Office 2016 and 2019 in October 2025, so they no longer receive security updates. To get the latest Excel, subscribe to Microsoft 365 or buy a current version such as Office 2024.
Troubleshooting
- Update fails or gets stuck: restart the PC and try again, and check your internet connection.
- Error codes: run a Quick Repair: Settings > Apps, select Microsoft 365 or Office, click Modify, and choose Quick Repair (or Online Repair if that doesn’t work).
- Not enough space: free up disk space; Office updates can need several gigabytes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Excel update automatically?
Yes, for Microsoft 365 and most Click-to-Run installs, if updates are enabled. Update Now just makes it happen immediately.
Will updating Excel delete my files?
No. Updates don’t touch your workbooks. Save open files before updating.
How do I update Excel on a Mac?
Open Excel and choose Help > Check for Updates to open Microsoft AutoUpdate, or update from the Mac App Store if you installed it there.
Summary
- File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.
- Store version: Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates.
- Older business installs: Windows Update with other Microsoft products.
- Repair Office if updates fail.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.