Office Compatibility Issues

How to Identify Your Excel Version in Microsoft 365

Bushra Parveen Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to identify their Excel version when subscribed to Microsoft 365 to select the most appropriate training materials.

How to Identify Your Excel Version in Microsoft 365

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Selecting fully compatible Excel training courses or instructional materials based on the software version.
Observed behavior: Microsoft 365 subscribers receive continuous updates rather than a fixed perpetual version like Excel 2021, changing how they should look for relevant tutorials.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active internet connection to access official Microsoft 365 portals or open your desktop application to verify your current subscription status.

Solution 1Recommended

Access Compatible Excel Training for Microsoft 365

Since Microsoft 365 automatically updates to the latest features, you should seek training materials specific to Microsoft 365 rather than relying on fixed-year editions.

Unlike perpetual versions such as Office 2019 or 2021, Microsoft 365 provides continuous feature updates. This means your Excel application is always on the latest version available for your specific update channel.

When searching for tutorials or guides, you do not need a specific year-based version number. Instead, simply look for resources labeled 'for Microsoft 365' or utilize Microsoft's official training portals.

Verify your Microsoft 365 subscription

Open Microsoft Excel on your computer, click on 'File' at the top left, and select 'Account' at the bottom left to confirm you are using 'Microsoft 365'.

Note your update channel

Under the 'Product Information' section, check your update channel (e.g., Current Channel or Monthly Enterprise) if you need to troubleshoot the availability of specific new features.

Access official training

Navigate to the official Microsoft Support website using your web browser.

Select Microsoft 365 tutorials

Access the official Microsoft Excel video training designed specifically for Microsoft 365 users to ensure full feature compatibility.

Access Compatible Excel Training for Microsoft 365

Official Training Link: You can find Microsoft's official Excel video training by visiting support.microsoft.com and navigating to the Excel training section.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Highly Compatible, Lightweight Spreadsheet Experience

If you want to avoid complex subscription models and continuous version confusion, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a free, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Excel with an intuitive interface and a wealth of built-in free tutorials.

1. Visit the WPS Website: Go to the official WPS Office website to access the download page.
2. Download the software: Click the 'Free Download' button to get the latest version of WPS Office for your operating system.
3. Install and open your files: Follow the simple installation prompt, then open your existing Excel workbooks seamlessly in WPS Spreadsheet.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv).Free to use with comprehensive spreadsheet capabilities built-in.Lightweight software design that runs smoothly on older devices.Rich built-in templates and seamless transition from Microsoft Office.Access to the free WPS Academy for easy-to-follow software training.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Excel 2021 the exact same as Excel in Microsoft 365?

No. Excel 2021 is a perpetual release with a fixed set of features. Microsoft 365 Excel receives continuous updates, meaning it frequently includes newer functions and tools not available in Excel 2021.

How can I check my exact build and version number in Microsoft 365?

Open your Excel application, click on 'File', and select 'Account'. Look under 'Product Information' for the 'About Excel' section, which will display your exact version and build number.

Will training materials for older Excel versions still work for Microsoft 365?

Most fundamental formulas, functions, and formatting techniques remain the same. However, older training materials will not cover modern features exclusive to Microsoft 365, such as Dynamic Arrays or the XLOOKUP function.

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