License & Subscription Issues

How to Enable Python in Excel with a Microsoft Education License

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to access Python in Excel features, such as the Python icon and PY function, which are not visibly available on their current Microsoft Education subscription.

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to use Python functionality in Excel while logged in with a Microsoft Education tenant license (such as E3 or A5).
Observed behavior: Python in Excel features are unavailable by default and the feature does not appear as a separately purchasable add-on in the Microsoft 365 admin center.

Before you start

Ensure you have Microsoft 365 administrator privileges for your Education tenant, as you will need permission to manage update channels and enroll users in the Insider Program.

Solution 1Recommended

Enroll in the Microsoft 365 Insider Program

Because Python in Excel is not available as a standard add-on for Education licenses, you must switch to the Current Channel (Preview) via the Insider Program to access the feature.

Education subscriptions (like A5 or E3) require users to be on a specific preview build to activate the Python in Excel capabilities.

Join the Insider Program

Log into your Microsoft 365 Admin Center and navigate to the update settings to enroll your tenant or specific users in the Microsoft 365 Insider Program.

Select the Preview Channel

Change the Microsoft 365 Apps update channel for the targeted users to 'Current Channel (Preview)'.

Update Excel

Open Excel, go to File > Account, and select 'Update Options' > 'Update Now'. Ensure Excel updates to at least Version 2406 (Build 17726.20016).

Test the PY Function

Restart Excel, navigate to the Formulas tab to locate the Python icon, or simply type '=PY(' in a cell to verify the feature is active.

Version Requirement: Python in Excel for Education licenses officially begins support with Excel Version 2406, Build 17726.20016.

Solution 2

Verify Licensing and Build Support via Microsoft Resources

Confirm that your specific Education license and installed Office build meet the official Microsoft requirements for Python integration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find Python in Excel as an add-on in the Microsoft 365 admin center?

For Education subscriptions (such as E3 and A5), Python in Excel is not offered as a separately purchasable add-on. Access is instead granted by enrolling in the Microsoft 365 Insider Program and using the correct preview build.

What is the minimum Excel version required for Python in Excel on an Education license?

You must be on the Current Channel (Preview) running at least Excel Version 2406 (Build 17726.20016) to access Python features.

Do I have to use the Current Channel (Preview) for Python in Excel?

Yes, currently for Microsoft Education tenants, enrolling in the Microsoft 365 Insider Program and switching to the Current Channel (Preview) is required to unlock the Python icon and the PY function.

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