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Load Solver in Excel
The Solver add-in is available in all Excel versions running Windows or Mac, but it must be previously loaded to be able to use it. This depends on the Excel version.
Excel 2007 and later
If Solver is already loaded, it will appear in the Data tab as an icon on the right.
If the Solver icon doesn't appear:
On Windows:
In File, select Options;
Click Add-ins, from the Manage drop-down menu select Excel Add-ins, and click Go;
In the Add-Ins available box, select the Solver add-in checkbox and click OK.
Video tutorials are available for Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 or Excel 365 on Windows.
On Mac:
(Unless using Excel 2008, which loads differently) in the Tools menu, select Excel Add-ins;
In the Add-Ins available box, select the Solver add-in checkbox and click OK.
Video tutorials are available for Excel 2008, 2011, 2016 or 2020 on Mac.
Excel 2004 and earlier versions
Older versions of Excel use drop-down menus. If Solver is already loaded, it will appear as an option in the Tools menu.
If the Solver option isn't displayed, from the Tools menu select Add-ins, in the Add-ins box select the SolverAdd-in checkbox, and click OK.
A video tutorial for Excel 97 to 2003 under Windows is available.
Excel for the Web
Open your spreadsheet in Edit mode, not just Read-Only mode. Your spreadsheet must be saved on OneDrive or SharePoint, as Solver for the web solves models in the cloud.
Go to the Insert tab.
Select Add-Ins or Get Add-Ins. If you don't see this option, you're using a version of Excel for the web with limited permissions. Contact your organization's administrator.
Search for Solver. Choose Solver Free (from Frontline Systems). Click Add.
Some advanced features of the desktop Solver may be limited in the web version. See the tutorial; a video is also available.
Other Help
For more information about Solver, visit the official help website and the manufacturer's help section, which also includes instructions for downloading it in Excel Online, Excel Web App, and Excel on iPad.