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How to Fix Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control 6.0 Missing in Excel
Question details
The user is looking to install and use the Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control 6.0 (SP6), but it is completely missing from a modern Excel installation.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to insert a date and time picker ActiveX control into an Excel spreadsheet for easier date entry.
- Observed behavior
- The Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control 6.0 (SP6) does not appear in the developer controls list and cannot be used in newer versions of Excel.
Verify whether you are using a modern 32-bit or 64-bit version of Office, as ActiveX controls like mscomct2.ocx have been permanently deprecated by Microsoft for newer installations.
Install a Third-Party Date Picker Add-in
Since the native control has been removed, installing a secure third-party add-in from the official store is the most straightforward way to restore visual calendar dropdowns in Excel.
Microsoft removed the original Date and Time Picker due to architecture changes and compatibility issues. The best alternative is to rely on modern web-based add-ins that work seamlessly across both desktop and web versions of Excel.
Open your Excel workbook, navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the main ribbon, and click on 'Get Add-ins' to open the Microsoft Office Store.
In the store window, type 'Date Picker' or 'Mini Calendar' into the search box and press Enter.
Browse the available options, select a reputable add-in with good reviews, and click 'Add'. Follow the prompts to integrate it into your worksheet.
Use Excel for the Web as a Workaround
If your environment restricts third-party add-ins, leveraging Excel for the web can provide alternative native date formatting and validation features without needing ActiveX controls.
Experience Hassle-Free Spreadsheet Management with WPS Office
Avoid frustrating compatibility issues and deprecated ActiveX controls by switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring your data entry and spreadsheet formatting tasks remain straightforward and easy to manage.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install the suite.
- 3. Open Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets, open your existing Excel files, and enjoy a stable editing environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control 6.0 removed from Excel?
Microsoft removed the mscomct2.ocx library, which contains the Date and Time Picker, because it is an outdated 32-bit ActiveX control that causes stability and compatibility issues with modern software architectures.
Can I manually install the Date and Time Picker on a 64-bit version of Excel?
No, the Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control 6.0 is strictly a 32-bit component. It is completely unsupported and will not function on 64-bit versions of Microsoft Office.
Is there a built-in replacement for the date picker in newer Excel versions?
Microsoft has not provided a direct native ActiveX replacement for this specific control. Users are advised to utilize Data Validation for date constraints, or download third-party modern add-ins from the Office Store.
