The Microsoft Excel application can be downloaded to your desktop computer, phone or tablet. Although Microsoft Excel for desktops can only be downloaded with the other programs included with Microsoft Office, you have the option of downloading it on its own on iOS and Android. Keep in mind that you must have a Microsoft account to be able to buy and use Office 365 on a computer.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Use Office 365 on a desktop computer
Step 1. Sign up for an Office 365 subscription
Before you can download Microsoft Excel for permanent use, you will need to purchase an Office 365 subscription.
If you want to try Office 365 for free for a month, you can download the trial version
Step 2. Open your Office account page
Go to the Microsoft site in your web browser. If you're signed in, this will open your Office subscription page.
If you are not logged in, enter your email address and password when prompted
Step 3. Click Install>
It's the orange button on the left side of the page.
Step 4. Choose Install
The Install button is on the right of the page. Click on it to download the Office 365 installation file.
Depending on your browser settings, you may need to select a save location or confirm the download before the installation file can be downloaded
Step 5. Install Office 365
The process may vary depending on your computer's operating system. Double-click the Office installer file, then follow the steps below.
- If you are using a Windows computer: click Yes at the command prompt and then wait for the installation of Office to complete. Click on To close when prompted to complete the installation.
- If you are using a Mac: click To continue > To continue > Accept > To continue > To install, enter your Mac password, click Install the program then select To close when prompted.
Step 6. Search for Excel
Microsoft Excel is installed on your machine as part of each version of Office 365, which means that you should be able to find it at the end of the installation.
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On Windows: click To start up
Windowsstart , then type Excel to display the Excel icon at the top of the Start menu.
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On Mac: click Spotlight
Macspotlight , then type Excel to make Excel appear at the top of the search results.
Method 2 of 4: Use a free trial version on a desktop computer
Step 1. Open the Office free trial page
Go to the Microsoft site in your computer's web browser. If you download the free version of Office 365, you can use Excel for free for one month.
Step 2. Click Try Free for 1 Month
It's the blue button on the left of the page.
Step 3. Sign in to your Microsoft account
Enter your email address and password to sign in to your Microsoft account.
If you've recently signed into your Microsoft account, this step may not be necessary
Step 4. Click Next
This option is at the bottom of the page.
Step 5. Select a payment method
Click on Credit or debit card to add your card information or select one of the other options (for example, PayPal) in the Choose a payment method section.
Microsoft won't charge you for Office 365 right away, but it will charge you one year of Office 365 subscription after the free trial month
Step 6. Enter your payment information
Fill in the details of the payment method you have chosen. If it's a card, you'll need to include your billing address, card number, your card expiration date, and so on.
If you have selected a payment method other than a card, you will need to follow the onscreen instructions to add your information
Step 7. Click Next
This option is at the bottom of the page and allows you to display a preview page.
- If you used a payment method other than a card, you will need to enter your payment details and then click Following before you can continue.
Step 8. Select Subscribe
The Subscribe option is at the bottom of the page. Click on it to open the Office page for your account.
Step 9. Download and install Office 365
Proceed as follows:
- click on Install> on the left side of the page;
- select To install on the right of the page;
- double click on the Office 365 installation file;
- follow all on-screen instructions.
Step 10. Cancel your trial before you get charged
If you don't want to be billed for a one-year Office 365 subscription after one month, follow these steps:
- go to the Microsoft site and log in if prompted;
- click on Payment and invoicing under the Office 365 heading;
- choose to cancel right on the page;
- click on Confirm cancellation when prompted.
Method 3 of 4: On iPhone
Step 1. Open the App Store
Tap the App Store icon in the shape of a white "A" on a light blue background.
Step 2. Tap Search
It's the magnifying glass icon in the lower right corner of the screen.
Step 3. Tap the search bar
You'll find it at the top of the screen. Tap on it to bring up your iPhone's built-in keyboard.
Step 4. Search for Excel
Type Excel, then press Excel in the search results to display the Excel page.
Step 5. Select GET
This option is to the right of the Excel icon.
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If you've downloaded Excel before, tap the option instead To download
Iphoneappstoredownloadbutton
Step 6. Enter your Touch ID
Scan your fingerprint to confirm your decision. Microsoft Excel will be downloaded to your phone.
If your iPhone doesn't support Touch ID (or if you haven't set up Touch ID for the App Store), enter your Apple ID instead when prompted
Method 4 of 4: On Android
Step 1. Open the
Google Play Store.
Tap the Play Store icon that looks like a multicolored triangle on a white background.
Step 2. Tap the search bar
You'll find it at the top of the screen. tap on it to display your Android's built-in keyboard.
- If your Google Play Store opens to something other than the Games tab, first tap Games at the top of the screen before pressing the search bar.
Step 3. Open the Excel page
Type Excel, and then press Microsoft Excel in the drop-down menu (next to the green and white Excel icon). You will be redirected to the Microsoft Excel page.
Step 4. Choose INSTALL
This option is at the top right of the page. Tap on it to download Microsoft Excel to your Android.
- If prompted, press ACCEPT to start the download.