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What's New in Excel (February 2023)

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msexcel
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Feb 28, 2023

Welcome to the February 2023 update. This month we are bringing the ability to manually sort row and column values in PivotTables to users of Excel for the web. For Insiders, those using Excel for Windows can check out automatic recalculation optimization and blocking untrusted XLL add-ins; and those using Excel for Mac, Power Query Editor to import data from SQL Server databases - as well as from additional sources such as SharePoint, local files, OData, and many others.

 

Curious to see how we at Excel utilize and implement your feedback? You can now see which features are a direct result of your feedback as they'll be marked with the Feedback In Action tile #FIA.

 

Check out this Excel Features Flyer to find if a specific feature is in your version of Excel

 

Excel for the web:

  • PivotTables: Manual sort (drag) of rows and column values

Excel for Windows:

  • Automatic Recalculation Optimization (Insiders)
  • Block untrusted XLL Add-Ins (Insiders)

Excel for Mac:

  • Power Query Editor #FIA
  • Import Data from Additional Sources #FIA
  • Import Data from SQL Server Databases (Insiders) #FIA
  • Automatic Recalculation Optimization (Insiders)

Excel for the web

PivotTables: Manual sort (drag) of rows and column values

Excel for the web just got even better with manual sorting for PivotTables and PivotCharts. Now you can customize the sort order of your PivotTable row and column items beyond the standard ascending and descending options. This feature, previously only available in the Excel desktop app, allows you to manually sort specific row or column items by dragging them or using the context (right-click) menu. With this new feature, organizing and analyzing your data is now more flexible!

Custom sort your PivotTables and Charts with manual drag and sort

 

Excel for Windows

Automatic Recalculation Optimization (Insiders)

We are minimizing the risk of slowness and increasing performance by limiting the recalculation process to the active workbook and any of its interdependent workbooks. Read more >

 

Block untrusted XLL Add-Ins (Insiders)

This feature adds a layer of security to your worksheets. It protects you from potential attacks coming through XLL add-ins, a particular type of add-in that is being used to distribute malware to unsuspecting victims. Read more >

Block untrusted XLL Add-Ins

Excel for Mac

#FIA!

Power Query Editor

You can now author queries from local files, SharePoint, OData, and other sources with Power Query Editor. Read more >

Power Query Editor from OData source

 

#FIA!

Import Data from Additional Sources

Power Query in Excel for Mac allows you to get and transform your data from various data sources. Up until now, importing data in Power Query in Excel for Mac was available only from Excel workbooks and Text/CSV files. Following the release of Power Query Editor to the General Audience and after hearing your feedback, we are excited to share that you can now import data from XML and JSON files, OData, SharePoint Online List, Blank Query, and Blank Table.  Read more >

Import data from additional sources using Power Query

 

#FIA!

Import Data from SQL Server Databases (Insiders)

Insiders now have the ability to import data from SQL Server databases using Power Query on Excel for Mac. Read more >

Import data from a SQL Server database

Automatic Recalculation Optimization (Insiders)

We are minimizing the risk of slowness and increasing performance by limiting the recalculation process to the active workbook and any of its interdependent workbooks. Read more >

 

 

Check if a specific feature is in your version of Excel

Click here to open in a new browser tab

 

 

 

Your feedback helps shape the future of Excel. Please let us know how you like a particular feature and what we can improve upon—send us a smile or frown.  You can also submit new ideas or vote for other ideas via Microsoft Feedback.

 

Subscribe to our Excel Blog and the Insiders Blog to get the latest updates. Stay connected with us and other Excel fans around the world – join our Excel Community and follow us on Twitter. 

 

Updated Mar 14, 2023
Version 3.0
  • msexcel , if to open the file with new features from "Click here" I see one sheet named "Updated October 2022" and hided columns between A and H. Is it possible to rename the sheet not to confuse users (e.g. "Recent features") and unhide all columns? Thanks.