Office Compatibility Issues

How to Add a Date Picker to Excel Microsoft 365 on 64-Bit Windows

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to insert a visual drop-down calendar or date picker control into standard Excel worksheet cells to streamline data entry.

How to Add a Date Picker in 64-Bit Excel Microsoft 365

Product: Microsoft Excel 365
Device & OS: Windows (64-Bit)
Scenario: Entering dates efficiently using a graphical calendar interface rather than typing dates manually.
Observed behavior: The legacy Microsoft Date and Time Picker ActiveX control is incompatible and missing from the 64-bit version of Excel, preventing the use of the traditional pop-up calendar tool.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active internet connection and that your Microsoft 365 organizational permissions allow you to browse and install third-party Office add-ins.

Solution 1Recommended

Install an Office Calendar Add-in

The easiest and most reliable workaround for modern 64-bit Excel is installing a free, trusted calendar add-in directly from the Microsoft Store.

Since Microsoft 365 does not provide a native replacement for the legacy ActiveX control, trusted third-party add-ins serve as the best modern alternative to integrate pop-up calendars seamlessly.

Open the Get Add-ins Menu

Open your Excel workbook, navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon, and click on 'Get Add-ins' (or 'Store').

Search for a Date Picker

In the Office Add-ins dialog box, use the search bar to look for 'Mini Calendar and Date Picker'.

Install the Add-in

Click the 'Add' button next to the add-in, then click 'Continue' to accept the terms and install the calendar tool into your worksheet.

Insert Dates Using the Calendar

Select the specific cell where you want to input a date, then click the desired date inside the newly added calendar window to insert it automatically.

Review Permissions: Always review the required permissions before installing any add-in. The 'Mini Calendar and Date Picker' is a widely recognized and trusted solution among Excel users.

Solution 2

Create a Custom VBA Date Picker

If administrative restrictions block you from installing Office add-ins, you can utilize VBA macros to create or import a custom calendar user form.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office for Hassle-Free Spreadsheet Management

If you are tired of troubleshooting legacy features, missing add-ins, and 64-bit ActiveX compatibility issues in Microsoft 365, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible spreadsheet environment that makes data entry and formatting intuitive without complex workarounds.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the free WPS Office suite to your Windows PC.
2. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing Microsoft Excel workbooks directly without needing to convert them.
3. Manage Data Easily: Utilize the intuitive interface and built-in drop-down validation tools to manage your dates and data entry effortlessly.

100% format compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls, .csv), ensuring your existing data entry sheets work perfectly.Modern and lightweight architecture that avoids the 32-bit and 64-bit compatibility issues found with legacy ActiveX controls.Free to download and use, providing powerful built-in data processing tools with zero learning curve.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't the Date and Time Picker ActiveX control work anymore?

The legacy Microsoft Date and Time Picker ActiveX control was built as a 32-bit component. Because modern installations of Microsoft 365 are typically 64-bit, the 32-bit ActiveX control is fundamentally incompatible and cannot be loaded.

Are there any built-in pop-up calendars in Excel Microsoft 365?

No, Microsoft 365 does not include a native, built-in pop-up calendar for standard worksheet cells. Users must rely on Microsoft Store Add-ins or custom VBA macros to replicate this graphical functionality.

How do I report this missing feature to Microsoft?

You can submit your feature requests, including bringing back native date picker controls, directly to Microsoft by navigating to File > Feedback within the Excel application and selecting 'Send a Suggestion'.

Can I use Data Validation instead of a Date Picker?

While Data Validation can restrict users to entering valid dates (e.g., enforcing dates between a specific range) and show an input message, it cannot display a visual pop-up calendar interface for clicking and selecting dates.

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