How to Install and Use Excel Add-ins

Excel supports various types of add-ins, each designed for specific functionalities and user needs. Understanding their difference can help you choose the right add-in for your tasks.

Excel add-ins

Traditional Excel add-ins are integrated directly into Excel and provide additional functions and tools within the interface. They are often used for statistical analysis, financial modeling, and other specialized data-processing tasks.

COM add-ins

Component Object Model add-ins are more versatile and run in multiple Office applications, not just Excel. They are built using more powerful programming languages like C# or VB.NET, allowing them to perform more complex operations and integrate with other
applications.

Web add-ins

Web add-ins use web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They are hosted online and can interact with Excel through a cloud-based interface. This type is particularly useful for pulling real-time data from online sources into Excel or integrating with other
web-based services.

Prepare to install add-ins

Before installing any Excel add-ins, ensure your system meets the necessary requirements. This may include having the correct version of Excel and sufficient permissions for installation.

Requirements

  • Microsoft Excel must be installed on the PC before installing Devart Excel Add-ins
  • Devart Excel Add-ins must be installed via a user account with administrative privileges
  • Devart Excel Add-ins also require .NET Framework 4.0 or higher

How to install Excel add-ins

This guide provides detailed steps for installing the Devart Excel Add-ins on your Windows computer. Please follow these instructions to ensure the add-in is installed correctly. Devart Excel Add-ins are available for various databases and cloud data sources. First, you need to go to the corresponding download page to get the installer.

Install the add-ins

Step 1: Run the downloaded installer

Run the installer

Once you have downloaded the installer for the Excel add-ins, locate the file in your Downloads folder or wherever you saved it. The file is likely named something like devartexcel.exe. Double-click this file to start the installation process. This action will launch the setup wizard, guiding you through the installation process.

Step 2: Select the destination location

Select the destination location

During installation, you will be prompted to choose the destination folder where the Excel add-ins will be installed. You can select the default location suggested by the setup wizard or click Browse to choose a different folder on your computer. It's important to select a location where you have write permissions, typically within your own user folder or the Program Files directory.

Step 3: Select components to install

Select the components

The setup wizard may offer you a choice of components to install. These components include a variety of databases and cloud data sources. Review the list and pick the necessary components by selecting the checkboxes next to each item.

Step 4: Installation process

Installation process

During this step, a progress bar will show the status of the installation. It is important to wait until the installation is fully completed without interrupting the process, as doing so could corrupt the installation.

Step 5: Completion of the setup

Completion

Once the installation is complete, click Finish to close the setup wizard.

How to enable Devart Excel Add-ins

Once you have installed the Devart Excel Add-ins, you must enable and configure them to utilize their features.

Step1: Locate the Devart tab

Locate the Devart tab

Open Microsoft Excel and start a new workbook or open an existing one. Look at the ribbon (the toolbar at the top of Excel); you should see a tab labeled Devart. This tab is added automatically once the Devart add-in is successfully installed. If you do not see the Devart tab, you might need to restart Excel or check if the add-in is enabled in Excel's options under File > Options > Add-Ins.

Step 2: Connect to your data source

With the Devart tab visible, you have two main options to start working with your data:

Get Data: Click this option to import data into Excel. This button opens a wizard that guides you through connecting to your data source.

Get Data

You can select from various data sources, such as SQL databases, cloud services, or other external data sources that the Devart add-in supports. Follow the instructions to connect and import your data into Excel.

Manage Connections: If you already have connections set up or need to manage existing connections, click this option.

Manage Connections

It allows you to edit, delete, or review the connection properties that you have previously configured. Managing your connections is useful for updating credentials, changing database queries, or modifying other settings without starting from scratch.

All Devart Excel Add-ins

How to find additional Excel Add-ins

If you are looking to enhance your Excel experience with additional features, finding and installing add-ins through the Microsoft Store is an easy and secure way to do so. Below are the steps to find and install Excel add-ins directly from the Microsoft Store.

Step 1: Access the add-ins store from Excel

Access the add-ins

Open Microsoft Excel on your computer. On the Home tab, you will find a button labeled Add-ins. Click this button and then More Add-ins to open the Microsoft Store.

Step 2: Browse or search for add-ins

Browse or search for add-ins

The Microsoft Store window for Excel add-ins will open directly within Excel. You will see various categories, such as CRM, Data Analytics, Financial Management, etc. If you have a specific add-in in mind, you can use the search bar at the top of the store window. Simply type in keywords or the name of the add-in you are looking for, and press Enter.

Step 4: Install the add-in

To install the add-in, click Add. Some add-ins may be free, while others might require a purchase or a subscription. Follow any additional prompts to complete the installation process, including signing in with a Microsoft account if required.

How to activate add-ins in Microsoft Excel 2016/2013/2010

Activating add-ins in Excel involves just a couple of steps:

1. Open a new Microsoft Excel 2016/2013/20 10 worksheet.

2. Select File > Options. The Excel Options dialog box appears.

3. Click Add-Ins and in the Manage drop-down list, click Excel Add-Ins. And then, click Go. The Add-Ins dialog appears.

4. Select Devart and click OK. The add-in is ready to use and the Devart menu is now available on the Microsoft Excel toolbar.

How to activate add-ins in Microsoft Excel 2016/2013/2010

How to remove Excel add-ins

To disable or remove an add-in from Excel:

1. Go to Settings > Apps.

2. Find the app you want to remove and select More > Uninstall.

Select Uninstall

Conclusion

Installing, enabling, and managing Excel add-ins can significantly improve your Excel capabilities, making data analysis, reporting, and integration with other platforms more efficient. By following the steps outlined, users can easily customize their Excel environment to better suit their needs.

Excel Add-in Universal Pack

Use full power of Excel with your cloud or database data