To ensure that you can use the right version of Excel at your organization, consider using a versioning file that stores the names of the different versions of Excel so that you can easily reference which version you need.
Looking at the Splash Screen
How often have you seen this splash screen while browsing around the internet? It's hard to ignore that first image, especially if it's flashing and moving.
You will see a starting screen when you click on the Microsoft Excel icon on your computer. On this screen, the name of the application and its version are displayed for a few seconds only.
Looking at the Menu
By looking at the menu or top ribbon, you can easily determine what version of Excel you are using.
Look at the top left corner of any Microsoft Excel file. Excel versions can be identified based on how the File button looks.
Microsoft Excel 2016
You can easily spot the differences in Microsoft Excel 2016. At the top, you can see "Tell me what you want to do."
This feature is only available in this Excel version. This text is not available for any other version.
Microsoft Excel 2013
The Ribbon tabs in Microsoft Excel 2013 are all capitalized.
If it is not in all capital letters, you may use another Excel version.
Microsoft Excel 2010
The Rounded File Menu Button can be found at the top left corner of Microsoft Excel 2010.
Microsoft Excel 2007
A rounded Microsoft Office icon can be found at the top left corner of Microsoft Excel 2007.
Microsoft Excel 2003
A giveaway for Microsoft Excel 2003 is its similarity to Windows XP.
It means you need to upgrade already!
Conclusion
Microsoft Office has many different versions available, many of which have been updated over the years.
While the latest versions of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint are always available, older versions may be harder to find.
Knowing which versions you have installed on your computer can take time and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I using Excel 2016 or 2019?
Check the date in the loading screen of MS Word to see if you're running Office 2016 or Office 2019. You can also open Word. Click "File", then "Account".
You'll find the version there.
Is Excel 2016 and Excel 365 the same?
Microsoft Office 2016 is the latest upgrade of the software you are accustomed to: a one-time fee allows you to install the software on a computer within your network.
In addition, Microsoft Office 365 is a cloud solution that provides access to the Microsoft suite of applications for a monthly or yearly fee.
How do I know if my Excel is Excel 365?
- Select Account from any Office application, such as Word or Excel.
- The full version number can be found under Product Information, along with the name of your Office product.
How do I upgrade from Excel 2016 to Office 365?
Follow these steps to update any of these versions of Excel: Open an Excel worksheet and click on File from the top menu.
From the left pane, select Account. Select Update Now under Update Options (under Product Information).
What is the difference between Excel 2010 and Excel 365?
You are likely looking at Excel 2010 since it is a purchased license and will keep the functionality you are seeing now forever.
However, the Office 365 licensing model doesn't involve purchasing and paying once but instead paying monthly for the software.
Is Microsoft Excel is not free anymore?
The web version of Microsoft Excel and other Office programs is free; Allply needs a Microsoft account to use them.
Go to Office.com and click 'Sign in' to enter your details.
Alternatively, you can choose 'Sign up for the free version of Microsoft Office if you do not have an account yet and then follow the instructions.
Can I upgrade Excel 2007 to 2016 for free?
With your Office 365 subscription, you can upgrade to Office 2016 for free.
Through Microsoft's website or within your Office program, subscribers to Office 365 can upgrade to Office 2016 for free.
Can I upgrade from Office 2016 to 2019 for free?
Upgrades to Office Home & Student or Office Home & Business must be purchased with the latest version of Office.
You can purchase a Microsoft 365 subscription or a one-time purchase.
Is Office 2016 free now?
Although you can download Office 2021, 2019, and Office 2016 free from Microsoft, you must own a license key or subscribe to Microsoft 365 to use the programs.
Is MS Office free for lifetime?
The lifetime license includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote (the Windows package (opens in a new tab) and also includes Publisher and Access).
Upon purchase, you will receive license keys and download links for each platform.
How to upgrade to Office 365 for free?
Microsoft offers free Office 365 for students, teachers, and faculty members with active school email addresses, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Microsoft Teams.
Do I need to uninstall old Office before installing Office 365?
You must uninstall any previous versions of Microsoft Office, including 2007, 2010, 2013, or 2016.
Office 365 will only run properly on your computer if you uninstall previous versions of Microsoft Office.
Is Excel 2010 the same as Excel 2016?
The only significant difference between Microsoft Excel 2016 and Excel 2013 is its color scheme and labeling.
Menu items and frequently used features are all the same. There are some new features that you may find interesting.