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Excel Inquire Add-In Missing in Microsoft 365 Family: Solutions
Question details
The user wants to use the Excel Inquire COM add-in to compare workbooks, but the feature is missing or inaccessible in their Microsoft 365 Family subscription.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Comparing workbooks or auditing spreadsheets using the Inquire tool.
- Observed behavior
- The Inquire add-in does not appear in the COM Add-ins list because it is not supported in the Microsoft 365 Family edition.
Confirm your exact Microsoft 365 subscription tier by checking the Account section in Excel to verify if your current plan supports enterprise-level COM add-ins.
Upgrade to a Supported Microsoft Office Edition
Since the Inquire add-in is restricted to enterprise and professional tiers, upgrading your license is the only direct way to access it.
The Inquire COM add-in is a premium auditing tool integrated directly into specific Office installations. It is not offered as a standalone download.
Launch Excel, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account' from the main menu.
Review the 'Product Information' section to confirm your current license is Microsoft 365 Family or Personal.
Visit the official Microsoft website to upgrade your subscription to Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise or Office Professional Plus to unlock the Inquire feature.
Use Built-in Side-by-Side Comparison
If you prefer not to upgrade your license, you can manually compare workbooks using Excel's built-in viewing tools.
Easily Compare Workbooks with WPS Office
Instead of paying for an expensive enterprise license just to compare spreadsheets, try WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight suite that offers robust spreadsheet tools and complete compatibility with your existing files.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite to your device.
- 2. Open Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the Excel workbooks you want to analyze.
- 3. Compare Data: Use the built-in view tools to organize your windows side-by-side and quickly compare your datasets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download the Inquire add-in for Microsoft 365 Family?
No, the Inquire add-in cannot be downloaded or installed separately. It is a built-in feature exclusive to specific professional and enterprise editions of Microsoft Office, and is permanently unavailable for Home or Family plans.
Which Office versions actually support the Inquire add-in?
The Inquire add-in is typically available in Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, Office Professional Plus, and standalone enterprise versions of Excel.
Where do I find the Inquire add-in if I upgrade my license?
After upgrading to a supported edition, go to File > Options > Add-Ins. Select 'COM Add-ins' from the Manage drop-down list at the bottom of the window, click Go, check the box next to 'Inquire', and click OK to enable the Inquire tab on your ribbon.
