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How to install Claude for Excel

Fix "Please add or enable add-in catalogs from the trust center" and add Claude to Excel

What this is for


Claude is an AI assistant that works inside Excel. It can explain formulas, fix errors, build models and answer questions about your spreadsheet. Because of how our Microsoft 365 is set up, each person installs it themselves. It takes about 5 minutes.

Before you start
  • A Claude account (Pro, Max, Team or Enterprise). Ask IT if you're not sure which to use.
  • Excel from Microsoft 365 on Windows or Mac, or Excel on the web. Excel 2016/2019, iPad and Android are not supported.
Step 1: Allow add-ins in Excel

If you've seen the message "Please add or enable add-in catalogs from the trust center", this step fixes it.

  1. Open Excel and go to File → Options.
  2. Select Trust Center → Trust Center Settings…
  3. Select Trusted Add-in Catalogs.
  4. Untick "Don't allow any web add-ins to start".
  5. Untick "Don't allow web add-ins to start from the Office Store".
  6. Click OK, then close Excel completely and reopen it.
Boxes greyed out? A company setting is controlling them. Raise a ticket with IT and include a screenshot.

On a Mac you can skip this step and go straight to Step 2.

Step 2: Add Claude
  1. In Excel, go to Home → Add-ins. On a Mac, use Tools → Add-ins.
  2. Search for Claude. It's listed as Claude for Microsoft 365 by Anthropic.
  3. Click Add and accept the prompt.
Step 3: Sign in
  1. Open the Claude pane from the Home ribbon.
  2. Click Sign in and log in with your Claude account.
  3. Try it out: "Explain how the total in cell C42 is calculated."
Tip: If it won't install on your desktop, try Excel on the web at office.com. If it works there, let IT know. The problem is a setting on your PC.Good to know
  • Only use Claude with spreadsheets you trust. Files from outside the company can contain hidden instructions.
  • Always check Claude's changes before sending a file to anyone.
  • Chat history is stored on your device and doesn't sync between computers.
Still stuck?

Raise a support ticket and include your error message, a screenshot, and whether you use Windows, Mac or the web version.