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How to Find and Enable the Text Import Wizard in Excel
Question details
The user needs to locate and activate the classic step-by-step Text Import Wizard to import TXT or CSV files.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows, Mac
- Scenario
- Importing text files into an Excel spreadsheet using the classic step-by-step interface instead of the newer Power Query tool.
- Observed behavior
- The legacy Text Import Wizard is hidden by default in newer versions of Excel, preventing the user from utilizing it directly from the Data menu.
Ensure you know which version of Microsoft Excel you are using, as the legacy wizard is only hidden by default in Microsoft 365 and Excel 2019 or later.
Enable the Legacy Text Import Wizard in Excel Options
Restore the classic Text Import Wizard by modifying Excel's Data options on Windows.
Newer versions of Excel use Power Query by default for data imports. To use the traditional step-by-step text wizard, you must first enable it manually within the application's global options.
Launch Microsoft Excel, click on the 'File' tab in the top left corner, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the left-hand menu.
In the Excel Options dialog box, click on the 'Data' tab located in the left pane.
Scroll down to the section titled 'Show legacy data import wizards' and check the box next to 'From Text (Legacy)'. Click 'OK' to save your settings.
To import your text file, navigate to the 'Data' tab on the main ribbon, select 'Get Data', hover over 'Legacy Wizards', and click 'From Text'. Finally, select your file to start the import process.
Import Text Files Easily with WPS Spreadsheet
Instead of navigating through hidden legacy menus in Excel, you can easily import text and CSV files using WPS Spreadsheet. WPS Office offers a built-in, user-friendly text import wizard that is ready to use right out of the box without complicated configurations.
- 1. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open a new or existing spreadsheet document.
- 2. Access the Data Tab: Click on the 'Data' tab located in the top ribbon menu.
- 3. Select Import Data: Click on 'Import Data' and select the 'Import Data' option from the drop-down menu.
- 4. Import Your Text File: Choose 'Select Data Source' to locate your TXT or CSV file on your computer, then follow the intuitive step-by-step import wizard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Microsoft remove the Text Import Wizard from the Data tab?
Microsoft did not entirely remove the feature; they simply hid it by default in Microsoft 365 and newer desktop versions. They replaced it with the Power Query 'Get & Transform' experience, which handles larger datasets and more complex data transformations.
How do I import text files into Excel for Mac?
On Mac, the interface is slightly different. You typically go to the 'Data' tab on the ribbon, select 'Get Data (Text)', and choose your file. The system will guide you through a wizard tailored for the macOS version.
Can I still use Power Query to import a text file instead of the legacy wizard?
Yes, Power Query is the recommended modern method. Simply go to Data > From Text/CSV, select your file, and click 'Transform Data' to use the Power Query Editor, or click 'Load' to bring it directly into your spreadsheet.
