Update & Upgrade Problems

How to Fix Get Data from Picture Missing in Excel Microsoft 365

Nimra Malik Sep 28, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user is unable to find the Get Data from Picture command on the Excel ribbon within a Microsoft 365 Enterprise installation.

Fix 'Get Data from Picture' Missing in Excel for Microsoft 365

Product: Microsoft Excel 365 Enterprise
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to extract data from an image and insert it into a spreadsheet using the built-in ribbon tool.
Observed behavior: The Get Data from Picture option is missing from the Data tab on the Excel ribbon.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription and verify whether your organization's IT department manages your Office update policies, as this dictates feature availability.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify and Switch Office Update Channels

The feature may not be available on the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel. Switching to the Current Channel will enable access to the latest features.

Microsoft releases features on different schedules depending on your update channel. Get Data from Picture is fully supported on the Current Channel but often delayed on Semi-Annual channels used by enterprise organizations.

Check current update channel

Open Excel and click on 'File' in the top-left corner, then select 'Account' at the bottom of the left menu. Look under the 'About Excel' section to see your current update channel.

Contact IT administrator

If you are on the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel, reach out to your IT administrator to request a switch to the Current Channel for your Microsoft 365 installation.

Update Microsoft 365

Once your channel is switched, return to the 'Account' page, click on 'Update Options' next to Office Updates, and select 'Update Now' to download and install the newest features.

Verify and Switch Office Update Channels

Update Limitations: If you are using a work computer, you might not have the administrative permissions required to change update channels independently.

Solution 2

Customize the Excel Ribbon to Add the Command

The feature might be installed but accidentally hidden or not added to your specific Data tab view.

Convert Pictures to Data Easily

Extract Data from Images Instantly with WPS Office

Skip the wait for Microsoft update channels. WPS Office features a powerful, built-in 'Picture to Excel' tool that uses advanced OCR technology to instantly extract tables and text from images directly into your spreadsheets.

1. Open WPS Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office and open a new or existing spreadsheet document.
2. Access the OCR tool: Navigate to the 'Tools' or 'Data' tab on the top ribbon and click on the 'Picture to Excel' or 'OCR' option.
3. Import your image: Select the image file containing the table or data you want to extract from your computer.
4. Extract and save: Let the software automatically scan and format the data into cells. Review the extracted data and save your spreadsheet.

Built-in Picture to Excel conversion without waiting for complex enterprise channel updates.Advanced OCR technology ensures highly accurate extraction of tables and raw text.Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) file formats for seamless sharing.Lightweight, free to use, and accessible on both desktop and mobile platforms.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 'Get Data from Picture' missing in my Excel 365?

This feature is primarily available to Microsoft 365 users on the Current Channel. If your organization uses the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel, the rollout of new features is delayed, meaning the tool might not be available on your current build.

Can I force Excel to update to the latest channel?

If you have a personal Microsoft 365 subscription, you can change your update channel via the Office Deployment Tool. However, for enterprise installations, your IT department manages the update channels, and you will need to request the change through them.

Are there alternative ways to extract data from pictures?

Yes, if Excel's native feature is restricted by your update channel, you can use WPS Office's built-in Picture to Excel OCR tool, or mobile scanning apps that export directly to spreadsheet formats.

Installation & Activation