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Fix Power Automate Add-In Not Launching in Excel on Windows Server
Question details
The user is unable to open the Power Automate add-in within Excel because it displays an Internet Explorer retirement error on a server environment.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows Server 2022
- Scenario
- Attempting to launch and use the Power Automate add-in for data automation within Excel on a Windows Server.
- Observed behavior
- The add-in fails to launch, instead displaying a message stating that Internet Explorer has been retired.
Ensure you have administrator privileges on your Windows Server to install new web browsers or modify system-wide default application settings.
Install and Set a Supported Modern Browser as Default
Power Automate requires a modern browser engine to render add-ins, bypassing the retired Internet Explorer components.
Office add-ins rely on the operating system's default web browser components to load their interfaces. Since Internet Explorer is retired and no longer supported by Power Automate, you must use Microsoft Edge (version 80 or later), Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox.
Download and install Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox on your Windows Server 2022 environment.
Click the Start menu, select the gear icon to open Settings, and navigate to 'Apps' > 'Default apps'.
Scroll down to 'Web browser', click the current default (which may be Internet Explorer), and select your newly installed modern browser from the list.
Completely close out of Microsoft Excel and reopen your spreadsheet. Click the Power Automate add-in to verify it launches successfully.
Verify Server Group Policies (GPO)
Ensure that your server's security policies are not blocking modern browsers or forcing Excel to use legacy web components.
Consult the Microsoft Power Automate Community
If changing the default browser does not resolve the issue, specialized troubleshooting for your specific server configuration may be required.
Experience Hassle-Free Spreadsheets with WPS Office
If you are tired of dealing with complex Microsoft Office add-in errors, legacy browser dependencies, and server-side conflicts, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for viewing, editing, and automating your spreadsheets without heavy system dependencies.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click on the free download button.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer file and follow the on-screen prompts to set up the suite on your device.
- 3. Open your files: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and seamlessly open your existing Excel documents to continue your work without add-in errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Power Automate add-in show an Internet Explorer retirement message?
Office add-ins rely on web components to render their interfaces. Older system configurations, especially on Windows Server environments, may default to using the legacy Internet Explorer engine, which Microsoft has retired and Power Automate no longer supports.
Does changing the default browser always fix this issue?
While setting Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge as the default browser resolves the issue for most users, some Windows Server environments might still block the add-in due to strict Group Policy restrictions, missing WebView2 runtime components, or user permission limits.
Is the Power Automate add-in supported on Windows Server 2022?
Yes, but it requires modern web components to function. Your server must have a supported browser (like Edge version 80 or later) installed, set as the default, and permitted to run by your network's security policies.
What should I do if the issue persists after updating my browser?
If changing your default browser does not work, ensure the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime is installed. If it still fails, it is highly recommended to seek assistance on the specialized Microsoft Power Automate Community forums.
