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Getting Started5 min read

Quickstart: Excel on Windows

Get up and running with ModelMonkey in Microsoft Excel on Windows

Requirements

Before installing, make sure you have:

  • Microsoft Excel desktop app (Windows)
  • Excel for Microsoft 365, Excel 2021, or Excel 2019
  • A Microsoft account for sign-in

Note: This guide covers the desktop application. For Excel on the web, see the Web tab above.

Step 1: Install from AppSource

Install ModelMonkey from the Microsoft AppSource marketplace:

  1. Open Microsoft Excel
  2. Go to Home > Add-ins and click More Add-ins
  3. In the Office Add-ins dialog, search for ModelMonkey
  4. Click Add to install the add-in

The add-in will be installed and ready to use immediately.

Alternatively, you can install directly from AppSource.

Tip

Installing from AppSource ensures you always have the latest version with automatic updates.

Step 2: Open ModelMonkey

Once installed, you can open ModelMonkey from the Excel ribbon:

  1. Look for the HOME tab in the Excel ribbon
  2. Find and click Open ModelMonkey button
  3. The ModelMonkey panel will appear on the right side
  4. Sign in with your Microsoft account when prompted

Your credits are shared between Google Sheets and Excel, so if you already have a ModelMonkey account, your subscription works here too.

Click "Open ModelMonkey" in the HOME tab

Step 3: Try Your First Task

Let's try a simple task to see ModelMonkey in action. With some data in your spreadsheet, try one of these prompts:

  • "Summarize this data"
  • "Calculate the total of column B"
  • "Find any duplicate values"
  • "Create a chart from this data"

Type your request in the chat box and press Enter. ModelMonkey will analyze your spreadsheet and respond with either an answer or a proposed plan of action.

Step 4: Review and Approve Changes

Before making any changes to your spreadsheet, ModelMonkey shows you exactly what it plans to do:

  1. Review the plan - See the steps ModelMonkey will take
  2. Ask questions - Request clarification if needed
  3. Approve or modify - Accept the plan or ask for adjustments
  4. Watch it work - ModelMonkey executes the approved changes

You're always in control. Nothing happens without your approval.

Warning

Always review changes before approving, especially on important spreadsheets.

Troubleshooting

Can't find ModelMonkey in AppSource?

Add-in not appearing after installation?

  • Try closing and reopening Excel
  • Check if the add-in is enabled in File > Options > Add-ins

Sign-in issues?

  • Ensure pop-ups are not blocked for Excel
  • Try signing out and back in
  • Clear your browser cache if using a Microsoft work account

Need help?
Contact us at support@modelmonkey.io and we'll help you get set up.

Alternative: Manual Installation

If you cannot access AppSource or need to install manually (e.g., for enterprise environments), you can use the shared folder catalog method:

Step 1: Set Up a Shared Folder Catalog

  1. Create a folder in your Documents (e.g., Documents\OfficeAddins)
  2. Download the manifest file: manifest.xml and save it to this folder
  3. Right-click the folder and choose Properties
  4. Open the Sharing tab and click the Share button
  5. Add yourself (and any other users who need the add-in) with Read/Write permission
  6. Click Share, then note the network path shown (e.g., \\YourPC\OfficeAddins)
  7. Click Done to close the dialogs

Step 2: Trust the Shared Folder

  1. Open Microsoft Excel
  2. Go to File > Options
  3. Select Trust Center, then click Trust Center Settings
  4. Select Trusted Add-in Catalogs
  5. In the Catalog Url box, enter the network path from Step 1 (e.g., \\YourPC\OfficeAddins)
  6. Click Add catalog
  7. Check the Show in Menu checkbox for the newly-added catalog
  8. Click OK to close both dialogs
  9. Close and reopen Excel for changes to take effect

Step 3: Load the Add-in

  1. Open Microsoft Excel
  2. Go to Home > Add-ins, then click More Add-ins
  3. Select the SHARED FOLDER tab at the top of the dialog
  4. Select ModelMonkey and click Add

The add-in will be installed and ready to use.

Warning

You must restart Excel after adding the trusted catalog for the add-in to appear.

Enter the network path and check "Show in Menu"

Uninstalling

To remove ModelMonkey from Excel:

If installed from AppSource:

  1. Go to Home > Add-ins
  2. Click More Add-ins
  3. Select the MY ADD-INS tab
  4. Find ModelMonkey and click the three-dot menu (...)
  5. Select Remove

If installed manually via shared folder:

  1. Open Microsoft Excel
  2. Go to File > Options
  3. Select Trust Center, then click Trust Center Settings
  4. Select Trusted Add-in Catalogs
  5. Select the catalog URL you added (e.g., \\YourPC\OfficeAddins)
  6. Click Remove
  7. Click OK to close both dialogs
  8. Close and reopen Excel for changes to take effect

Next Steps

Now that you've completed your first task, explore what else ModelMonkey can do:

Check out the feature guides to learn more about each capability.

Related Documentation

Spreadsheet Editing

Learn what ModelMonkey can do with your spreadsheet

How ModelMonkey Thinks

Understand the reasoning behind ModelMonkey actions

ModelMonkey Docs