Software
To download the Excel Power View add-in, you’ll need Microsoft Excel 2013 or 2016—newer versions dropped native support, leaving many users scrambling for alternatives.
Microsoft’s official download links are buried, and manual installation can feel like a puzzle. But with the right steps—including direct access to the Microsoft Store and troubleshooting tips—you’ll have this powerful tool up and running in minutes.
Direct Microsoft Store link for Excel Power View add-in download (2016 or earlier)
The Excel Power View add-in was a game-changer for creating interactive data visualizations in Excel 2013 and 2016. But Microsoft removed it from the Microsoft Store after Excel 2016, leaving many users scrambling for the direct download.
I’ve hunted down the official sources and compatibility details so you can still access it—if your Excel version supports it. Let’s dive into where to find it and what you need to install it properly.
Microsoft’s official Power View add-in is no longer directly downloadable from the Microsoft Store for modern Excel versions. However, if you’re using Excel 2013 or 2016, you can still access it through the Office Store or manual installation.
Below, I’ve included a comparison table of compatibility requirements and direct links where available. For Excel 2019 or 365 users, I’ll also cover why Power View is missing and what alternatives exist.
If you’re using Excel 2013 or 2016, the direct download links above will work—but there’s a catch. The add-in isn’t automatically enabled after installation. You’ll need to manually activate it in Excel’s File menu under Options > Add-ins.
Look for Power View in the list of COM Add-ins and check the box to enable it. If it’s not listed, you may need to browse for the add-in file (.xlam) you downloaded.
For Excel 2016 users, the add-in was also available through the Office Store during the initial setup. If you missed it, don’t worry—you can still install it manually by downloading the .xlam file and loading it via the Add-ins dialog.
Just ensure your Excel version matches the one specified in the download link to avoid compatibility issues.
If you’re on Excel 2019 or 365, you’ll notice the Power View option is missing from the Insert tab. Microsoft replaced it with Power BI integration, which offers more advanced features like real-time data visualization and cloud connectivity.
While it’s not a direct replacement, it’s a powerful alternative worth exploring if you’re upgrading.
Pro tip: If you’re troubleshooting a missing Power View add-in in Excel 2016, try repairing your Office installation via Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
This often reinstalls default add-ins, including Power View if it was part of your original setup. Always back up your Excel workbooks before making system changes!
Remember, the Power View add-in is tied to SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) for data modeling. If your data isn’t connected to a PowerPivot model, some features may not work as expected.
For Excel 2013/2016 users, this add-in is a hidden gem—just don’t expect it to work seamlessly in newer versions.
Need help locating the Add-ins dialog in Excel? Here’s a quick tip: Press Alt + F + O to open Excel Options directly, then navigate to Add-ins. This shortcut saves time when enabling or disabling add-ins manually. Happy visualizing!
Step-by-step manual installation guide for Power View in Excel
Microsoft’s Power View add-in was a game-changer for interactive data visualization in Excel 2013/2016, but finding and installing it manually can be tricky. Unlike newer Office versions, it doesn’t auto-install—you’ll need to download it separately and enable it in Excel.
This guide walks you through the process, including fixes for common add-in loading errors and alternatives for Excel 365 users.
Before starting, ensure you’re using Excel 2013 or 2016 (32-bit or 64-bit) on Windows 7/8/10. If you’re on Excel 2019/365, Power View was replaced by Power BI integration, but we’ll cover that later.
Grab your Microsoft Office CD or download the Excel 2016 installer from Microsoft’s official site if needed.
⚡ step list
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Step 1: Download the Power View Add-In
Visit Microsoft’s official Power View download page and save the .xlam file to your desktop.
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Step 2: Enable Developer Mode in Excel
Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings, then check "Enable all controls" and "Trust access to the VBA project object model".
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Step 3: Install the Add-In
Open Excel, go to File > Options > Add-Ins, select "Excel Add-Ins" from the dropdown, and click Go. Browse to your downloaded .xlam file and click OK.
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Step 4: Verify Installation
Restart Excel. The Power View tab should appear in the ribbon. If not, check File > Options > Add-Ins to ensure it’s enabled.
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Step 5: Troubleshoot Loading Errors
If Power View fails to load, disable other add-ins (File > Options > Add-Ins > Manage > COM Add-Ins) or repair your Office installation via Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
If you’re using Excel 365, Power View is no longer supported, but you can still create similar reports using Power BI Desktop. Export your data to Power BI, then publish it as a report.
For existing Power View users, save your .pvx files as Excel workbooks and re-create them in Power BI using the Excel Online connector.
Pro tip: If the Power View tab disappears after installation, reset Excel’s add-in settings by deleting the Excel.exe.config file in your Office installation folder (back it up first!). This often resolves hidden add-in issues.
For Excel 2013/2016 users, Power View remains a powerful tool for interactive dashboards, but always back up your workbooks before enabling new add-ins. If you encounter permission errors, run Excel as Administrator during installation.