Function Problems

How to Access Missing GROUPBY and PIVOTBY Functions in Excel

Adam Davis Sep 30, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to find and use the new GROUPBY and PIVOTBY functions in Microsoft Excel.

How to Access Missing GROUPBY and PIVOTBY Functions in Excel

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to use newly announced data aggregation functions (GROUPBY and PIVOTBY) to summarize data.
Observed behavior: The GROUPBY and PIVOTBY functions are unrecognized, return a #NAME? error, or are completely missing in standard Microsoft 365 installations.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription. Newer functions like GROUPBY and PIVOTBY are not added to standalone perpetual versions such as Office 2019 or Office 2021.

Solution 1Recommended

Join the Microsoft 365 Insider Program

Gain early access to GROUPBY and PIVOTBY by enrolling in the Beta Channel of the Microsoft 365 Insider program.

These functions are currently in the testing phase and have not been rolled out to the general Current Channel. Joining the Insider program allows you to test experimental features before they are widely released.

Access Account Settings

Open Excel, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account' from the bottom left menu.

Enroll in the Insider Program

Look for the 'Microsoft 365 Insider' button, click on it, and select 'Join Microsoft 365 Insider'.

Select the Beta Channel

Check the box to sign up for early access to new releases, choose the 'Beta Channel' from the dropdown, accept the terms, and click 'OK'.

Update Microsoft 365

Click 'Update Options' next to Office Updates, and select 'Update Now' to download and install the latest Beta build containing the new functions.

Work or School Accounts: If you are using a work or school account, your IT administrator may have disabled the Insider program. You will need to request them to enable it or wait for the general release.

Solution 2

Use Traditional PivotTables as a Workaround

If you cannot join the Insider program, use the standard PivotTable feature to achieve identical data summarization and grouping.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When will the GROUPBY and PIVOTBY functions be released to all users?

Microsoft has not announced a guaranteed release date for the Current Channel. Features typically migrate from the Beta channel to general availability within a few months after testing and optimization.

Will GROUPBY and PIVOTBY be available in Excel 2021?

No, these functions are exclusive to Microsoft 365 subscribers. They will not be added to perpetual licenses like Office 2021 or Office 2019.

Can I use these new functions in Excel for the Web?

During the Insider phase, new functions are often prioritized for the Windows and Mac desktop applications first. However, they are generally added to Excel for the Web as the feature matures and gets closer to general availability.

Excel & Data Problems