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Spreadsheet Compare installation

Tim Overton 20 Reputation points
2026-03-08T06:05:24.2733333+00:00

How do I troubleshoot, install or reinstall Spreadsheet Compare on my PC. It is not currently functioning.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For business | Windows
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  1. Tamara-Hu 11,970 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-08T08:44:35.2733333+00:00

    Hello @Tim Overton

    Good day! Thank you for posting your valuable question on the Microsoft Q&A forum. 

    Based on your description, I understand that Spreadsheet Compare is currently not functioning on your PC, and you’re looking for guidance on how to troubleshoot, install, or reinstall it. 

    Please let me know if I misunderstood any part of your issue or if there are additional details you’d like to share. 

    To help us provide the most accurate and effective solution, could you share a bit more detail about your setup: 

    • Does Spreadsheet Compare open at all, or does it crash / not respond when launched? 
    • Which Office edition are you using (Microsoft 365 Apps for business/enterprise, Office Professional Plus, Office LTSC/2019/2021, etc.)? 
    • How are you launching Spreadsheet Compare: from the Start menu, the Inquire tab in Excel, or during a file comparison? 
    • Did this issue start after a recent Windows or Office update? 
    • Are you unable to compare any Excel files, or only specific workbooks? 
    • Have you already tried running an Office Quick Repair or Online Repair? 
    • If an error message appears, could you provide the exact wording? 

    This additional context will help us understand your environment and the steps already taken so we can tailor the guidance to resolve the issue effectively. 

    In the meantime, here are some basic checks you can try: 

    • Search for “Spreadsheet Compare” from the Windows Start menu(Windows+ S) to confirm whether the app is installed. 
    • Open Excel > Options > Add-ins > COM Add-ins and ensure the Inquire add‑in is enabled. 

    User's image User's image

    • Run Office Repair from Control Panel   
      • Close all office apps completely.   
      • Go to Control Panel > Program > Programs and Features   
      • Right click on the Microsoft Office you've installed > Change.    Immagine dell'utente
      • Select Quick Repair first (fast and doesn’t require internet).   
      • If the issue persists, run Online Repair (requires internet and takes longer).   
      Immagine dell'utente
    • Make sure Office is fully updated via Excel > File > Account > Update Options > Update Now. 

    User's image

    I apologize if I could not jump straight to a solution. I want to avoid suggesting anything that might be inaccurate or unhelpful. Once we have the details above, we’ll be able to assist you more effectively and guide you toward the right resolution. 

    Looking forward to your response so we can get this sorted out for you together. 


    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment". 

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