Microsoft Introduces Automate Tab in Excel for Windows and Mac

Office 365

Microsoft announced yesterday that it has started rolling out the Automate tab to Excel for Windows and macOS. The latest update lets desktop users create and edit Office scripts to automate their repetitive spreadsheet tasks or workflows.

Up until now, the Automate tab was only available for customers in Excel on the web. With this release, the Excel desktop app helps users to record their actions as a reusable script and then play that script when needed to boost efficiency.

“Enhance your workbook by connecting popular applications like Microsoft Teams or SharePoint to build workflows with Power Automate. Combine these productivity technologies to have Power Automate schedule your Office Script. This tab represents the first stage of uniting automation solutions across platforms. We’re eager to hear your feedback!,” Microsoft explained.

How to create Office scripts to automate tasks in Excel for Windows and macOS

To create a new Office script in Excel for Windows or macOS, users will need to open a workbook and navigate to the Automate tab. Then, click the New Script button to create a new script. Users can also select the Edit option available on the script’s details page to modify an existing Office script.

Microsoft Introduces Automate Tab to Excel for Windows and Mac

Once created, Excel users can view and run scripts by clicking the Automate tab. Now, choose any script from the All Scripts task pane or gallery. Finally, click the Run button available on the script’s detail page.

Microsoft says that this update is currently rolling out to all businesses with a Microsoft 365 commercial (E3/E5) license. However, keep in mind that Windows users will need to have Microsoft Edge WebView2 installed on their PCs. Do you think that this release will help to save some extra time and effort by streamlining repetitive tasks? Let us know in the comments section below.