When you’re working with Excel on your Mac and realize it’s time to update to the latest version, there might be some confusion about where to begin. Updating Microsoft Office applications like Excel is crucial for keeping up with new features, bug fixes, and security updates—especially if you run a tight ship in terms of productivity tools.
The refreshing part about updating Excel on your Mac is that it’s straightforward once you understand the process. Here’s how to ensure you’re running the latest version:
Step 1: Check Your Current Version
Before deciding whether an update is necessary, first determine which version of Office you are currently using. To do this:
- Open Excel.
- Click on “Office Icon” in the top left corner (it looks like a box with an O inside).
- Navigate to “About Microsoft Excel”. Here, you’ll find details about your current version and subscription status.
Step 2: Prepare for Updates
To ensure that all updates go smoothly, follow these guidelines:
- Backup Your Data: It’s always a good idea to backup your important files before making any major changes. You can use external hard drives or cloud storage services like iCloud.
- Close All Office Applications: Ensure no Office applications are running when you start the update process.
Step 3: Update From Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU)
Microsoft auto-update often takes care of minor version updates behind the scenes, as long as your subscription is active and your computer settings haven’t been changed to pause automatic updates. If this isn’t working automatically or if you have a specific need for the next major update release:
- Check Your Microsoft AutoUpdate Preferences: Go to System Preferences > Software Update (or directly look under the MAU service if it’s installed). Ensure that all Office applications are set to “Automatically keep my Mac up-to-date.”
If the automatic updates aren’t sufficient, you can proceed with a manual update:
Step 4: Manual Installation for Major Updates
- Microsoft Account: First, make sure you have your Microsoft account details handy.
- Go To Office.com/downloads: Head to this website and sign in with your Microsoft credentials. You’ll see options to download updates including major version changes as well as any service packs or security enhancements.
Step 5: Post-Update Confirmation
After the update, it’s wise to check if everything is working correctly:
- Reopen Excel.
- Verify that you are indeed running the new version by checking “About Microsoft Excel.”
If something seems off after updating, don’t worry; troubleshooting steps can vary from reinstalling Excel to contacting Microsoft Support for more specific assistance.
Updating Excel on your Mac is a routine task, but one crucial for maintaining your suite of Office applications at their most functional and secure levels. The journey ends here in terms of basic update instructions but there’s always room for exploration into the detailed benefits each new version introduces—whether that involves exploring new chart types or advanced data analytics techniques within Excel.
Which aspects of updating are you curious about delving deeper into, or have you encountered any quirks while keeping Excel updated on your Mac?
