Installing the Datarails Excel Add-In

The Datarails Excel add-in works across Windows desktop, Mac desktop, and Excel for the web, so you can access your Datarails workflows wherever you use Excel. The add-in updates automatically, so new features and bug fixes are delivered without requiring a reinstall or manual updates from your IT team.

Prerequisites

Before installing the Datarails add-in, make sure you have:

  • A supported operating system: Windows 10 or 11, or macOS. Excel for the web does not require a specific operating system.
  • A supported version of Excel: Microsoft 365 or Office 365. A 64-bit version of Excel is recommended on Windows. Perpetual-license versions of Office are not supported.
  • A Datarails account: You must have valid Datarails login credentials.
  • An active internet connection: Internet access is required to install and use the add-in.
  • Uninstalled the legacy add-in: The legacy Windows Excel add-in must be removed or functions will not load properly.

If you are currently using the legacy Excel add-in (Windows only), review the Moving from the legacy add-in section below before installing the new add-in to avoid compatibility issues. Otherwise, skip to the Installing the Excel add-in section to begin.

Moving from the legacy add-in

If you currently use the legacy COM add-in (Datarails Sync App), review video below with instructions on how to uninstall the legacy add-in.

Uninstall the legacy add-in

To uninstall the legacy Datarails Excel add-in (only available for Windows):

  1. Open the Control Panel in Windows.
  2. Search and select Add or remove programs.
  3. Find the Datarails Sync App.
  4. Select the three-dot menu and select Uninstall to follow the prompts. 

Download files

After installing the new add-in:

  1. In Datarails, navigate to Workspace > Main.

    01_01_workspace_annotated (1).png
  2. Find the file you want, then click the Download icon on its row. 
01_02_download_icon_annotated.png

4.  Select Download for the new add-in. Files downloaded using this option will be compatible with the new add-in.

01_03_download_new_addin_annotated.png

Important: Files downloaded the Windows option are not compatible with the new add-in. Any attempt to use an incompatible file with the new Excel Add-in will result in a Combability Error message.  

Installing the Excel add-in

Install the add-in once for your Microsoft account, rather than separately on each computer. When you sign in to Excel with the same Microsoft account on another device, the add-in will be available there, including in Excel for the web. Choose the installation method that works best for you.

Option 1: Install from Excel

  1. Open Excel.
  2. Navigate to Home > Add-ins.
  3. Search for Datarails.
  4. Click Add and follow the on-screen prompts.

  5. Once installed, open Datarails from the Home tab. You can manage your installed add-ins under My Add-ins.

Option 2: Install from Microsoft Marketplace

  1. Navigate and sign into your Microsoft Marketplace account.
  2. Search for Datarails.
  3. Click Get it now and follow the on-screen instructions.
    Screenshot 2026-10-23 134635.png

Option 3: Deploy organization-wide

If your organization centrally manages Office add-ins, your IT administrator can deploy Datarails to selected users or groups through the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.

  1. Open the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
  2. Navigate to Settings > Integrated apps > Get apps.
  3. Search for Datarails.
  4. Select Datarails directly from the Office store.
  5. Deploy the add-in to the required users or groups.

No manifest file is required. Once deployed, the add-in becomes available in Excel for assigned users on Windows, Mac, and the web.

Signing in

After installing the add-in:

  1. Open Excel and select Datarails to open the task pane.
  2. Enter your Datarails credentials when prompted. If your organization uses single sign-on (SSO), you will be redirected to your organization's identity provider.
  3. Once authenticated, your Datarails workspace will load in the task pane.

Troubleshooting

Issue Possible cause Recommended solution
Datarails does not appear in the ribbon The add-in is disabled or has not loaded Go to Home > Add-ins > My Add-ins and check that Datarails is enabled.
The add-in task pane is blank Network connectivity or a loading issue Check your internet connection and restart Excel. If the issue persists, ask your IT team to confirm that your network allows access to Datarails.
DR functions return #BUSY Both the legacy COM add-in and the new add-in are installed Uninstall Datarails Sync App through Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program, then refresh the report.
Unable to sign in Incorrect credentials or an SSO configuration issue Verify your credentials. If your organization uses SSO, contact your IT team if the issue persists.
The right-click menu is missing on a table A Microsoft Excel desktop limitation Right-click a cell range that overlaps the table rather than right-clicking the table itself.
Compatibility error File was downloaded using the Download for Windows option or legacy Excel Add-In. Click Convert File to download a converted copy.


 



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