Learn how to check if updates for Microsoft Excel are available on your Windows or Mac computer. If there are any to install, Excel will download and install them. Keep in mind that Excel, like most Microsoft Office products, usually updates automatically.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: On Windows
Step 1. Open Excel
Click or double-click on the Excel application icon, which looks like a green box with a white X in it. The Excel start page will open.
If Excel is already open, be sure to save your work by pressing Ctrl + S. In this case, you can also skip the next step
Step 2. Click Blank Document
This can be found at the top left of the start page.
Step 3. Click File
This option is at the top left of the Excel window and will allow you to open a left side menu.
Step 4. Click Account near the bottom of the left column
Step 5. Click Update Options
It's in the center of the page and will open a menu in a pop-up window.
Step 6. Click Update in the pop-up window
- If you can't find this option, first click Activate updates in the menu. You should then see the Update option appear.
Step 7. Allow the updates to be installed
You may need to follow the instructions and indications on the screen (for example: Close Excel). Once the updates are installed, the update window will close and Excel will reopen.
If no update is available, you will not see the update progress window
Method 2 of 2: On Mac
Step 1. Open Excel
Click or double-click on the Excel application icon, which looks like a green box with a white X.
If Excel is already open, be sure to save your work by pressing ⌘ Command + S before continuing
Step 2. Click on the Help menu
It is located in the menu bar at the top of the screen and will allow you to open a drop-down menu.
Step 3. Click Check for Updates
This option can be found in the Help drop-down menu. When you click on it, the update window opens.
Step 4. Select the Automatically update and Install checkbox
It's in the center of the window.
Step 5. Click Check for Updates
This blue button is located at the bottom right of the window.
Step 6. Allow the updates to be installed
You may need to follow the instructions and indications on the screen (for example: Close Excel). Once the updates are installed, the update window will close and Excel will reopen.
