SharePoint Document Issues

How to Import an Excel or CSV File into Microsoft Lists

Maira Mehtab Oct 15, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to create a new Microsoft List using tabular data from an existing Excel workbook or CSV file, but may be facing interface limitations based on their subscription.

How to Import an Excel or CSV File into Microsoft Lists

Product: Microsoft Lists
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a new list in SharePoint or Microsoft Lists by uploading and mapping existing tabular data from an Excel or CSV file.
Observed behavior: The user needs the correct steps to import the file and seeks clarification on why certain import options or the List tab might be missing in Microsoft 365 Family accounts.

Before you start

Ensure your Excel data is formatted as a Table before attempting to import it, and verify you are using a Microsoft 365 Work or School account, as consumer Family accounts have restricted list features.

Solution 1Recommended

Create a New List from an Excel or CSV File

Use the built-in 'New list' feature in Microsoft Lists or SharePoint to upload your spreadsheet and automatically map your data to list columns.

This method is fully supported for Microsoft 365 Work and School accounts. If you are using a Microsoft 365 Family account, these features might be restricted or display a different interface.

Access Microsoft Lists or SharePoint

Log in to your Microsoft 365 account in your browser and navigate to Microsoft Lists or the specific SharePoint site where you want to create the list.

Initialize a New List

Click on the 'New list' button located at the top of the page to open the list creation options.

Select the Data Source

Choose 'From Excel' or 'From CSV' depending on the file format you wish to import.

Upload Your File

Click 'Upload file' and select your formatted Excel workbook (.xlsx) or CSV file from your local device.

Review Columns and Create

Review the detected columns from your spreadsheet. Use the dropdown above each column to assign the correct data type (e.g., Single line of text, Number, Date and time). Click 'Next', enter a name for your list, and click 'Create'.

Create a New List from an Excel or CSV File

Account Limitations: If you are using a Microsoft 365 Family (consumer) subscription, you may not see the 'List' tab or the same import options, as these features are tailored for enterprise and educational plans.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage and Prepare Your Spreadsheets with WPS Office

While importing into Microsoft Lists requires a specific Microsoft 365 subscription, you can perfectly format, manage, and edit your Excel workbooks and CSV files for free using WPS Office before uploading them to SharePoint.

1. Open Your Data: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the raw CSV or Excel file you want to prepare for Microsoft Lists.
2. Format Data as a Table: Highlight all your data, navigate to the 'Home' tab, and click 'Format as Table' so SharePoint can easily recognize the data structure.
3. Save in Supported Format: Go to 'Menu' > 'Save As' and ensure the file is saved as a standard Microsoft Excel Workbook (.xlsx) before importing.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv)Easily format raw data as tables to ensure seamless SharePoint importsFree, lightweight, and features a highly familiar user interfaceBuilt-in templates for comprehensive data tracking and list management

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 'From Excel' option missing in my Microsoft Lists?

This typically occurs if you are using a consumer Microsoft 365 Family or Personal account. The full suite of Microsoft Lists features, including advanced import capabilities, is primarily available for Microsoft 365 Work or School accounts.

Can I import a standard Excel data range into a SharePoint list?

No, before importing an Excel file into Microsoft Lists or SharePoint, the data inside the Excel workbook must be explicitly formatted as a Table. Select your data in Excel or WPS Office and apply the 'Format as Table' feature first.

What data types are supported when mapping columns during a CSV import?

During the import process, Microsoft Lists allows you to map your columns to basic SharePoint data types such as Single line of text, Number, Date and time, and Choice. Complex column types must be configured after the list is created.

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