How to Add a Date Picker to Excel Data Validation in 64-Bit Office
Question details
The user needs to add a calendar drop-down date picker to Excel data validation cells in the 64-bit version of Office.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Entering dates easily via a calendar pop-up directly from a data-validation drop-down list in a dynamic spreadsheet table.
- Observed behavior
- Excel does not have a built-in calendar control for data validation drop-downs in 64-bit versions, and traditional ActiveX calendar controls do not work reliably.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection to access the Office Add-ins store, and save a backup copy of your workbook if you plan to implement any VBA macros.
Install the Mini Calendar and Date Picker Add-in
The easiest and most reliable method for 64-bit Excel without relying on complex macros or unsupported ActiveX controls.
Since 64-bit Excel does not support the older Date and Time Picker ActiveX control, using a Microsoft Store add-in is the safest and most officially supported workaround. This provides a floating calendar that helps you quickly input dates.
Open your Excel workbook, navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon, and click on 'Get Add-ins'.
In the Office Add-ins store window, type 'Mini Calendar and Date Picker' in the search box and press Enter.
Click 'Add' next to the Mini Calendar and Date Picker add-in and agree to the terms to install it.
A small calendar will appear on your spreadsheet. Select the cell where you want to insert a date (such as your target data validation column), then click the desired date on the mini calendar to populate the cell.
Use a Custom VBA Calendar Solution
For advanced users who need a dynamic pop-up calendar linked directly to specific worksheet ranges.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Management
If you're dealing with complex compatibility issues or missing built-in features in Microsoft Office, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that offers a familiar user interface, seamless migration, and excellent support for standard spreadsheet formats without the hassle of unreliable ActiveX controls.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Open Your Workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing Excel workbooks seamlessly without losing any formatting.
- 3. Manage Data Easily: Use the built-in Data Validation tools under the Data tab to set up drop-down lists and manage your tables effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't the Microsoft Date Picker ActiveX control work in 64-bit Excel?
The MSCOMCT2.OCX file that provides the classic Date and Time Picker control was designed for 32-bit systems and is not supported or functional natively in 64-bit versions of Microsoft Office.
Can I get a true drop-down calendar inside the cell in Excel?
Excel does not currently offer a native in-cell drop-down calendar for data validation out of the box. Workarounds include floating add-ins from the Microsoft Store or custom VBA UserForms triggered upon cell selection.
Are Excel add-ins safe to use for date picking?
Yes, add-ins like 'Mini Calendar and Date Picker' available directly through the official Microsoft Office Add-ins store (Insert > Get Add-ins) are reviewed by Microsoft and generally safe to install for everyday use.
