Update & Upgrade Problems

Fix Excel 2016 Solver and Analysis ToolPak Add-Ins Failing After Update

Emma Brown Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to use the Solver and Analysis ToolPak add-ins in Excel 2016 due to a 'not found' error following a specific security update.

Fix Excel 2016 Solver and Analysis ToolPak Add-Ins Failing After Update

Product: Microsoft Excel 2016
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to use data analysis add-ins after installing Office or Windows security updates.
Observed behavior: The add-ins show a 'not found' error after installing update KB5002653, they cannot be re-added manually, and removing the update is sometimes restricted.

Before you start

Make sure your computer is connected to the internet and you have administrator privileges, as you will need to download and install a new Microsoft update patch to resolve this issue.

Solution 1Recommended

Install the Official Microsoft Fix (Update KB4484305)

Microsoft has acknowledged this bug and released update KB4484305 to permanently restore the Solver and Analysis ToolPak add-ins.

This is the officially confirmed solution from Microsoft. Installing the newer patch corrects the registry and file path issues introduced by the previous security update.

Check for Office Updates

Open Excel 2016, navigate to 'File' > 'Account', click on 'Update Options' under Product Information, and select 'Update Now' to fetch the latest patches.

Use Windows Update

If you receive Office updates through Windows, open your PC Settings, go to 'Update & Security' > 'Windows Update', and click 'Check for updates' to install KB4484305.

Download Manually from the Update Catalog

If automatic updates fail, visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website in your browser, search for 'KB4484305', download the package matching your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit), and run the installer.

Install the Official Microsoft Fix (Update KB4484305)

Restart Required: Once the update is installed, restart your computer to ensure all add-in configurations are properly applied to Excel 2016.

Solution 2

Uninstall the Problematic Update (KB5002653)

If you cannot immediately install the fixing patch, rolling back the update that caused the issue can serve as a temporary workaround.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Bug-Free Data Analysis with WPS Office

If broken updates and missing add-ins in Microsoft Excel are slowing down your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free alternative that offers robust spreadsheet capabilities without the headache of unstable plugin patches.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite for your operating system.
2. Install and Launch: Run the downloaded file to install the software, then open WPS Spreadsheets.
3. Open Your Excel Files: Open your existing .xlsx or .xls files directly in WPS Spreadsheets to continue your data analysis without losing any formatting.

Completely free and lightweight alternative to Microsoft OfficeSeamless compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls, .csv) formatsFamiliar user interface that requires zero learning curveBuilt-in data handling features ready to use immediatelyNo complex add-in update issues interrupting your work

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Excel 2016 add-ins suddenly disappear?

A specific security patch from Microsoft (update KB5002653) contained a bug that disrupted the file paths and functionality for default add-ins like Solver and the Analysis ToolPak, causing them to show a 'not found' error.

Can I manually browse and re-add the Solver Tool in Excel?

In most cases related to this specific bug, manually browsing for the add-in file via File > Options > Add-ins will still fail or return an error until the corrective update (KB4484305) is installed.

Is there a workaround if I can't uninstall update KB5002653?

If uninstalling the update is restricted by your system settings, your only viable solution is to push forward and install the official fix update (KB4484305) via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Installation & Activation