How to download and install XLTools: brief guide

Follow the download link in your email Install XLTools on your computer like any other program Launch Excel and find XLTools tab on the ribbon.

If any questions, please see the detailed step-by-step guide.

System requirements

  • Windows® versions 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7.
    (32-bit and 64-bit versions)

    Verify your version: Control Panel System and Security System.

  • Microsoft Excel® versions 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010.
    (32-bit and 64-bit versions)

    Verify your version: Open MS Excel File Account About Excel.

Note: XLTools Add-in is supported only for classic desktop versions of Excel that are fully installed on a computer, also as a part of Microsoft 365 (former Office 365). Not suitable for mobile and web versions of Excel, or subscription-based Microsoft 365 apps from Microsoft Store.

How to download and install XLTools: detailed guide

XLTools installation usually takes no more than 3 minutes:

  1. Provide your email address We will send you a download link immediately.
    No email? Check your spam folder.
  2. Follow the download link in your email to download the installation file If prompted, click Run or Save.
  3. If you chose Save, double-click "xltools.exe" file in your browser downloads.
  4. Installation will take just a few seconds.
    If prompted to install essential Microsoft service components, please do so.
  5. Launch or restart Excel Find XLTools tab on your Excel ribbon.
Problems? Find solutions to common errors in Troubleshooting or contact us.
Install XLTools Add-in for Excel
Add XLTools tab on Excel ribbon

First-time user? Your free trial will start automatically. Check out the Getting Started tips.

Bought a license? Activate your license key. Here is the License Activation Guide.

Any questions or suggestions?
SalwaHi, Can i use XLtool for Mac OS?
July 20, 2022 at 07:24
JustinHello, I downloaded the free trial, but the tab isn't showing up. It says it automatically shows up, but do I need to manually add it?
February 21, 2022 at 18:40
Medhat Ibrahimthanks for your effort
December 5, 2021 at 19:04
UzairHI. Maria hopefully you will fine. i have installed XLTools latest version (free trail) from the link that you have provided through email but i did not find the repeat selection option in it. yours guideline is required for the problem that i am facing.
April 2, 2021 at 18:42
Md. Rabiul AuwulHello Maria hope you would be fine i need to install drop down calender in Excel 2010 and for this i download XLTool and its installed but after that nothing found on anywhere. suggest me how do i get access that remember i am using excel 2010 home version i try to search solution in your all queries but could't found anything kindly suggest me a good solution ...i tried this Open Excel > File > Options > Add-Ins > Select ‘Manage ‘Com Add-Ins’ on the bottom of the box > Go > Check the box ‘XLTools Add-in for Microsoft Excel’ > Ok. But still not appeared!!
November 6, 2020 at 18:52
Maria BalobanovaHello Tahir, Thanks for you interest in our product! All XLTools features are listed on the home page . The Free Features include: Popup Calendar, Data Cleaning, Unpivot Table, Export to CSV, Combine Cells Data, Sheet Switcher, Repeat Selection, and Columns Match. You are most welcome to install XLTools and give a test drive to the Free and PRO features as well.
January 11, 2016 at 11:03
Maria Balobanova

Dear users! We thank everyone who reported errors after the recent XLTools update.

If you happen to have these errors, please use the solution below: - System.Security.SecurityException: Customized functionality in this application will not work because the certificate used to sign the deployment manifest for XLTools Add-In for Microsoft Excel or its location is not trusted. - System.Deployment.Application.InvalidDeploymentException: Exception reading manifest: the manifest may not be valid or the file could not be opened. The solution should take 5-10 min: 1. Close all Excel files and uninstall XLTools like any other program:: - Control Panel\Programs\Programs and Features > Select ‘XLTools Add-in for Microsoft Excel’ > Uninstall. 2. Install automatic Windows Updates, if any: - Control Panel\System and Security\Windows Update > Install updates. 3. Make sure that you have Microsoft service pack.NET Framework 4.5.2, install it manually if necessary from Microsoft website: - Install .Net Framework version 4.5.2. 4. Restart your PC. 5. Download the add-in once again and install the updated XLTools: - Follow the link in your email > Save File > open This PC\Downloads > Find ‘XLTools.exe’ > right-click and 'Run as administrator'. Done! If this does not solve your problem, please email us support@xltools.net the screenshot of the error, name of your Windows and Excel versions. We will find a solution!
December 14, 2015 at 11:58
Tom HuntfordThis is THE BEST! I searched other date-picker solutions, and they were complicated or didn't work. This installed smoothly. I can highlight a range of cells, click the Popup Calendar Icon on the XLTools tab, and BAM! its done. Nice job folks, God bless you! Tom Huntford
November 6, 2015 at 16:23
Jose VallHello, e-mail confirmado, obrigado.
August 24, 2015 at 16:16
PrateekReally Good Work. By seeing this article, I can easily figure it out that your add-in/application works on Windows 10, 64 bit MS office 365. Actually, I am having an add-in compiled and build using C/C++ code in code-blocks. This add-in works correctly in 32-bit MS Office 365. But when I have installed 64-bit MS Office, the same add-in compiled/built using 64-bit settings is not loading correctly. Can you please help whether I will have to do some other settings or coding to make this add-in compatible with 64-bit office. Thanks and Regards Prateek
February 11, 2020 at 10:54
Maria BalobanovaHello Prateek, Thank you for your nice words! I have emailed you with details.
February 11, 2020 at 11:46
NiranjanI want to download the XL tools tab
June 15, 2018 at 09:26
Maria BalobanovaHi Niranjan, You can download XLTools here and install using instructions on this page. Once installed, XLTools tab will appear in Excel and you can start your free trial. Thank you for your interest in XLTools!
June 15, 2018 at 13:24
Tanveer Hello Maria hope you would be fine i need to install drop down calender in Excel 2010 and for this i download XLTool and its installed but after that nothing found on anywhere. suggest me how do i get access that remember i am using excel 2010 home version i try to search solution in your all queries but could't found anything kindly suggest me a good solution   Regards Tanveer
March 24, 2018 at 10:08
Maria Balobanova

Hello Tanveer, thanks for contacting us!

If I understand you correctly, you have successfully installed XLTools, but you can’t find XLTools tab in Excel. Sometimes Excel would disable add-ins. Please try to activate it manually:

Open Excel > File > Options > Add-Ins > Select ‘Manage ‘Com Add-Ins’ on the bottom of the box > Go > Check the box ‘XLTools Add-in for Microsoft Excel’ > Ok.

April 2, 2018 at 09:45
danish Customized functionality in this application will not work because the certificate used to sign the deployment manifest for XLTools Add-In for Microsoft Excel or its location is not trusted. Contact your administrator for further assistance.  
January 16, 2018 at 09:20
Maria Balobanova

Hi Danish, looks like some prerequisites are missing from your PC. Please find the solution here, or install using MSI installer for your version of Excel.

January 16, 2018 at 09:54
krishnaUninstall X tool: I need to uninstall xtool because i installed the wrong version mistakenly, so tried to uninstall and i deleted some registry files releated to xtool. But now, i have new error whenever i tried to install xtool. Please, reply to uninstall xtool completely from system.
May 29, 2017 at 07:49
Maria BalobanovaHi Krishna, You can uninstall XLTools as any other program: Control Panel\Programs\Programs and Features > Select ‘XLTools Add-in for Microsoft Excel’ > Uninstall.
May 29, 2017 at 10:29
Kalpesh PrajapatiHI Team, I have Install XLTools but in Excel not show XL tools Option in My excel so request you to pls help...
May 25, 2017 at 08:00
Maria BalobanovaHello Kalpesh, please try this: Open Excel > File > Options > Add-Ins > Select ‘Manage ‘Com Add-Ins’ on the bottom of the box > Go > Check the box ‘XLTools Add-in for Microsoft Excel’ > Ok. XLTools tab should appear in Excel.
May 25, 2017 at 09:09
ThakshilaHi I just download XLTools, and when I am going to install I am getting below error: System.Deployment.Application.InvalidDeploymentException: Exception reading manifest: the manifest may not be valid or the file could not be opened.
August 11, 2016 at 23:59
Maria BalobanovaHello Thakshila, seems that your computer lacks the necessary prerequisites: 1. Install automatic Windows Updates, if any. 2. Make sure that you have .NET Framework 4.5.2., install it manually if necessary. 3. Download XLTools again and ‘Run as administrator’. Troubleshooting guide
August 12, 2016 at 09:12
ThakshilaThanks Maria, now its working fine.
August 14, 2016 at 22:32
TimHi If I buy a lifetime license, would I be able to install XLTools to multiple laptops, one for work and another one of my own laptop? thanks
June 22, 2016 at 17:37
Maria BalobanovaHi Tim, One license is valid for one computer, so for two laptops you would need two XLTools licenses.
June 23, 2016 at 08:11
RavishHi, Time to installation message show as below- Access is denied, (Exception from H RESULT: 0* 80070005 (E_ACCESSDENIED) Please help on this how to install?
June 22, 2016 at 05:26
Maria BalobanovaHello Ravish, This error normally indicates that you do not have administrator rights. We will need some more details and screenshots - I have emailed you on that.
June 22, 2016 at 08:36
ckstill can't. face the same problem. after installation, XLtool isn't shown on the tab. tried to reinstall, but the install detected the latest version.
December 30, 2019 at 05:57
Maria BalobanovaSo sorry to hear that! I have sent you an email with instructions. Hope it will help.
December 30, 2019 at 11:16
Bulent TuranWhen i try to install XLTools, i get the error message: Specified argument was out of the range of valid values. Parameter name entryValue I tried everything, but can't install please help
November 24, 2015 at 11:41
Maria BalobanovaBulent, please open the folder My Computer (This PC) > Downloads > Find 'XLTools.exe' installer file > right click and “Run as administrator”. If this does not help, you may have to clear the cache. I have emailed you the details.
November 24, 2015 at 11:53
Abhihey can u tell me how to create an exe file for having a macro on a ribbon. As your product when installed it gives new tab in excel. I want to try the same, kindly help.
November 7, 2015 at 07:56
Maria BalobanovaHi Abhi, we do not disclose our code. I can only advise you to search for tutorials about Excel vsto add-ins. Good luck!
November 9, 2015 at 09:35
Tom HuntfordOops, wait a minute...this didn't work as expected. I wanted a Date Picker drop down that any user of the form can access. Looks like this XLTools just allows you to pick a date from a calendar, if you have XLTools on your machine. Or am I missing something?...
November 6, 2015 at 16:28
Maria BalobanovaTom, thank you so much! It's great to hear that you liked our Popup Calendar! You are right though - it works only if you have XLTools installed, it is not work with distributed spreadsheets (if you send the file/some Excel user form to another user). Currently we do not have plans to develop such a feature. I hope the Popup Calendar is useful for your everyday work in Excel anyway. Enjoy! Check out the other XLTools features, you may also find them handy.
November 9, 2015 at 09:13
LeoI have just downloaded the XLTools free version and installed on my laptop successfully, i.e. no error on installation. However i am not seeing the Tab for XLTools when i then launch my MS Excel. Do i need to restart the whole machine?
October 7, 2015 at 16:14
Maria BalobanovaHi Leo, not necessarily. Please try activating XLTools manually: Open MS Excel > Click File > Options > Select ‘Add-Ins’ on the left > on the bottom of the page ‘Manage’ select ‘Com Add-Ins’ > Click Go > Check the box ‘XLTools Add-in for Microsoft Excel’ > Ok. This should help - otherwise, let me know.
October 7, 2015 at 16:26
Jamie KibbeI just downloaded and install XL Tools without a hitch. But I cannot get the XL Tools tab to show up in Excel 2013. I have restarted the application and checked my menu options, but I still find nothing.
October 6, 2015 at 15:56
Maria BalobanovaHello Jamie, Please try to activate the add-in manually: Open MS Excel > Click File > Options > Select ‘Add-Ins’ on the left > on the bottom of the page ‘Manage’ select ‘Com Add-Ins’ > Click Go > Check the box ‘XLTools Add-in for Microsoft Excel’ > Ok. Let me know if it helped. Thanks!
October 7, 2015 at 10:59
Amrat ChawlaJust dowload XLTools free but cant install got following message...... --------------------------- Visual Studio Tools for Office Solution Installer --------------------------- The value of the property 'type' cannot be parsed. The error is: Could not load file or assembly 'Microsoft.Office.BusinessApplications.Fba, Version=14.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=71e9bce111e9429c' or one of its dependencies. The system cannot find the file specified. (C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VSTO\10.0\VSTOInstaller.exe.Config line 10) --------------------------- OK --------------------------- Please advise, Thanks.
August 30, 2015 at 06:52
Maria BalobanovaHello Amrat, This happens sometimes. Please find the ‘xltools.exe’ file in the ‘My Computer (This PC)/Downloads’ folder (browsers normally save all downloaded files to this folder). Then right-click ‘Run as administrator’. The installation should proceed smoothly!
August 31, 2015 at 10:05
Jose VallI download for pc but the installation will be on a notebook without internet. How should I proceed?
August 24, 2015 at 14:38
Maria BalobanovaHello Jose, it is possible to install XLTools on a computer without internet, however, some features will be unavailable. Please check your email for details.
August 24, 2015 at 15:07
ikHello, Do you have a portable version of the tool? I cannot install it as I do not have admin rights to the computer.. Please advise. I.
August 11, 2015 at 13:53
Maria BalobanovaHello, without admin rights a portable version would not be a solution - it has to do with your system/security settings. Please contact your administrator to complete the installation process.
August 12, 2015 at 09:17
Stephen SieloffI just purchased XLTools with the SQL option (Advanced version) ... but when I try to join 2 tables I am unable to check both tables in the SQL editor ... your help shows a sidebar on right of worksheet with 3 steps but I cannot get this ... when I go to myapps and search for the SQL app it says I need to pay $6.99 per month ... but I already bout the Advanced version with this option for the additional $19,95 I am running windows 7 with excel 2013 as part of my Office 365 install -- it is on one of my 5 licensed PCs ... what am I doing wrong? I need this to work for Excel 2013 on both Windows 7 and Windows 8.1
July 3, 2015 at 22:24
Maria BalobanovaHello Stephen! Thank you for buying the Advanced XLTools version! You have purchased the feature directly from the website, not the Apps store. Your purchase gives you a life-time license and one year free upgrades. Please find the detailed instructions for your SQL Queries desktop feature. (SQL app has a bit different interface if purchased through the Apps Office Store). I have emailed you the details. Please note, one license is valid for one device only.
July 8, 2015 at 10:55
How can we help?