Fix Microsoft Excel Solver Add-In That Will Not Load or Enable
Question details
The user needs to restore and enable the Microsoft Excel Solver Add-In when it does not load, even though macros are enabled and a Solver file is present in an AddIns folder.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel Solver Add-In
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- The user wants to use Solver for optimization calculations in an Excel workbook.
- Observed behavior
- The Solver Add-In will not load or become enabled in Excel.
Close Excel and all other Microsoft Office applications before repairing Office. Solver is an Excel add-in, so enabling workbook macros alone does not make Solver available.
Repair Microsoft Office and enable the Excel Solver Add-In
Use this method when Solver.xlam is missing, damaged, or cannot load from the Office installation folders.
Solver is normally installed with Microsoft Office in an Office Library folder, rather than only in a user AddIns folder. An Online Repair can restore missing or damaged Solver components.
Save your work, then close Excel, Word, Outlook, and any other open Microsoft Office applications.
Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps, then find Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office in the app list.
Select the three-dot menu next to Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office, choose Modify, select Online Repair, and follow the on-screen prompts. Keep your device connected to the internet until the repair finishes.
Start Excel and go to File > Options > Add-ins. At the bottom of the window, select Excel Add-ins from the Manage list and click Go.
Select the Solver Add-in check box and click OK. If Solver is listed but unavailable, click Browse and locate SOLVER.XLAM in the Microsoft Office Library\SOLVER folder.
Confirm that the correct Solver Add-In is selected
Use this method if Office repair is complete but Solver does not appear on the Data tab.
Use WPS Office for everyday Excel workbook editing
If Microsoft Excel add-ins continue to fail after repair, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight office suite with a familiar spreadsheet interface for opening, editing, and sharing your workbooks. You can migrate existing files easily while continuing formula-based spreadsheet work in a compatible format.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office Free on your Windows device.
- 2. Open your workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and select Open to choose your existing Excel .xlsx or .xls file.
- 3. Review formulas and data: Check worksheet formulas, tables, and source data before continuing your spreadsheet analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does enabling macros not enable Solver in Excel?
Macros and Excel add-ins are managed separately. Enable Solver through File > Options > Add-ins > Manage: Excel Add-ins > Go, then select Solver Add-in.
Where is the Solver.xlam file normally installed?
In many Windows Office installations, it is located in a Microsoft Office Library\SOLVER folder, such as C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14\Library\SOLVER\SOLVER.XLAM. The exact Office version folder may differ.
What should I do if Solver Add-in is not listed in the Excel Add-ins dialog?
Close all Office programs and run an Online Repair from Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office > Modify. Then reopen Excel and check the Excel Add-ins dialog again.
How do I find Solver after it is enabled?
Open Excel and select the Data tab. Solver should appear in the Analyze group after the Solver Add-in loads successfully.
