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Fix Fuzzy Lookup Excel Add-In Trusted Publisher Error
Question details
The user is unable to install the Fuzzy Lookup add-in for Excel because the publisher certificate is not trusted, and requires a secure alternative or fix.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to install the Fuzzy Lookup Excel add-in to perform data matching tasks.
- Observed behavior
- The installation is blocked by a security prompt stating that the publisher certificate is not trusted.
Before modifying your security settings or bypassing certificate warnings, check if your version of Excel already includes the modern Power Query features, which provide the same fuzzy matching capabilities securely.
Use Excel's Built-In Power Query Feature
Instead of installing the untrusted Fuzzy Lookup add-in, use the native Power Query (Get & Transform) functionality which securely includes fuzzy matching capabilities.
Microsoft has integrated the capabilities of the Fuzzy Lookup add-in directly into the Power Query experience in modern versions of Excel. This eliminates the need to download external add-ins or manage publisher certificates.
Launch Excel, navigate to the 'Data' tab on the ribbon, and click on 'Get Data' or select 'From Table/Range' to open the Power Query Editor.
Once the Power Query Editor is open, go to the 'Home' tab and click on 'Merge Queries' to combine your datasets.
In the Merge dialog box, select the columns you want to match, then check the box labeled 'Use fuzzy matching to perform the merge'. You can expand the 'Fuzzy matching options' to adjust the similarity threshold.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Spreadsheet Experience
If you are frustrated by persistent add-in installation errors, trusted publisher blocks, or complex configurations in Microsoft Excel, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, secure, and highly compatible spreadsheet environment right out of the box.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the download button to get the free installer.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the straightforward on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Double-click your existing Excel files to open them seamlessly in WPS Spreadsheets and continue your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I getting a trusted publisher error for the Fuzzy Lookup add-in?
This error occurs because your system or Office security settings block the installation of add-ins if their digital certificate cannot be verified, is outdated, or if the publisher is not listed in your Trusted Publishers store.
Can I manually trust the publisher certificate to force the installation?
While it is technically possible to manually install the certificate into the Windows Trusted Publishers store via the file properties, it is not recommended unless you are absolutely certain of the file's origin, as this bypasses critical security protections.
Does Power Query completely replace the Fuzzy Lookup add-in?
Yes, Microsoft has integrated robust fuzzy matching algorithms directly into the Power Query 'Merge Queries' feature, effectively replacing the need for the older, standalone Fuzzy Lookup add-in.
Which versions of Excel include Power Query natively?
Power Query, also known as Get & Transform, is built natively into Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, and Microsoft 365. If you are using Excel 2010 or 2013, it was available as a separate official Microsoft download.
