How to Update Excel and Get New Microsoft 365 Features
Question details
The user wants to know the proper procedure to update Microsoft Excel so they can access newly released features in Microsoft 365.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Updating desktop applications to retrieve new Microsoft 365 features.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft 365 desktop apps do not always update via standard Windows Update channels, requiring the user to manually trigger the update from within the application.
Ensure that your computer is connected to a stable network and save any open workbooks, as Excel may need to restart to apply the latest updates.
Update Excel via the Built-In Account Menu
Trigger the update process manually from within the Excel application to fetch the latest Microsoft 365 features.
Microsoft 365 desktop applications receive their updates through a dedicated Office channel rather than standard Windows Update channels. You can manually force the software to check for these updates directly within the Excel interface.
Launch the Microsoft Excel desktop application and open any existing workbook or create a blank one.
Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the ribbon, then select 'Account' from the menu on the left side.
Look for the 'Office Updates' section. Click on the 'Update Options' button and select 'Update Now' from the drop-down menu.
Office will begin checking for and downloading updates. Repeat this process until Excel displays the message 'You're up to date!'.
Experience Regular Updates and New Features with WPS Office
If managing Office update channels is frustrating or you are looking for a highly compatible, budget-friendly alternative, try WPS Office. It provides robust spreadsheet tools with frequent feature updates available to all users immediately.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your device.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open any existing Excel files directly—no conversion required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'Update Options' button missing in my Excel Account menu?
If you do not see the 'Update Options' button, your updates might be managed by your organization's IT department via Group Policy, or you may be using a volume license version of Office (like Office Professional Plus) that does not receive automatic Microsoft 365 feature updates.
How can I join the Microsoft 365 Insider program to get new features early?
To get features before general release, open Excel, go to File > Account, look for the 'Microsoft 365 Insider' section, and click 'Join Microsoft 365 Insider'. You can then choose your preferred channel (Beta Channel or Current Channel Preview).
Does my computer need to restart after updating Microsoft 365 apps?
Usually, a full computer restart is not required. However, you will need to save your work and close all open Microsoft Office applications (including Word and Outlook) for the new updates to be fully applied.
