Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool, but certain features might not be available in all versions. One such feature is the XLOOKUP function, which allows you to search for a value in a range or table and return a corresponding value from another range or table. It’s a more modern and flexible alternative to older functions like VLOOKUP or HLOOKUP. However, some users might find that their version of Microsoft Excel doesn’t have the XLOOKUP function, which can be frustrating. This guide will explain why some versions don’t have XLOOKUP, how to solve the issue, and how to access it.
Why Some Microsoft Excel Versions Don’t Have XLOOKUP:
XLOOKUP was introduced by Microsoft in Excel for Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) and Excel 2021. This means that older versions of Excel (such as Excel 2019 and earlier) do not have the XLOOKUP function. If you are using one of these older versions, you won’t be able to use the feature natively.
In addition, certain editions of Excel (like Excel Online or older perpetual licenses) may not support the newer functions unless you update or upgrade to a version that includes XLOOKUP. So, when Microsoft Excel doesn’t have XLOOKUP, it is likely due to these reasons.
How to Add XLOOKUP to Microsoft Excel:
If you’re using an older version of Excel and want to access XLOOKUP, there are a few options:
- Upgrade Your Version of Excel: The most straightforward solution is to upgrade to a newer version that supports XLOOKUP. This includes either Microsoft 365 (which always has the latest features) or Excel 2021.
- Microsoft 365: Subscribing to Microsoft 365 will give you access to the most up-to-date features, including XLOOKUP. Additionally, this subscription offers cloud-based services like OneDrive, as well as regular feature updates.
- Excel 2021: If you prefer a one-time purchase rather than a subscription, Excel 2021 is the latest standalone version that includes XLOOKUP.
- Update Your Current Version: If you are using a version like Excel 2021 or Microsoft 365, but XLOOKUP is still unavailable, make sure that your version is up to date. Sometimes, features are added in patches, and updating Excel can make the XLOOKUP function available. To check for updates:
- Go to the File tab.
- Click Account.
- Select Update Options and choose Update Now.
- Using Alternatives in Older Versions: If upgrading isn’t an option, you can still use older functions like VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, or INDEX/MATCH combinations. While they aren’t as flexible as XLOOKUP, these functions can help you perform similar tasks.
What Type of Microsoft Excel Version Has XLOOKUP?
- Microsoft 365: Always has the latest Excel functions, including XLOOKUP.
- Excel 2021: The newest standalone version that includes XLOOKUP.
- Excel 2022 and later will also include this feature.
Conclusion: The XLOOKUP function is a great tool that provides more flexibility and efficiency in looking up data compared to older methods. If your version of Microsoft Excel doesn’t have XLOOKUP, you can upgrade to Microsoft 365 or Excel 2021 to gain access to this feature. If you prefer to stay with an older version of Excel, you can use alternative functions to achieve similar results. Whether you’re using the latest or older versions of Excel, mastering these lookup functions will significantly boost your productivity when working with data.
Anyway, you can check out this solution about How to install or add the XLOOKUP function to your Microsoft Excel for free and easy.
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