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ExcelMcp 2.5.6

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@github-actions github-actions released this 27 Oct 09:16
Immutable release. Only release title and notes can be modified.
v2.5.6
6cddae4

ExcelMcp 2.5.6

Let your AI assistant create and update real Microsoft Excel workbooks: cells,
formulas, Power Query, PivotTables, charts, and VBA. MCP and CLI offer the same
features. Coding agents can use either; the CLI usually uses fewer AI tokens,
though results vary by task, model, and client.

What's New

New features

  • Move an existing worksheet-backed PivotTable onto another report's existing cache with pivottable share-cache in CLI and MCP, without recreating either report. The operation checks source and report compatibility first and leaves slicer connections explicit. (#1239)

Fixes and improvements

  • Formula tracing now defaults to short reports with adjustable limits on relationship steps, returned cells, and formula or text-value previews in both CLI and MCP. Reports clearly flag omitted cells and shortened text while retaining Excel's existing same-worksheet coverage limits and leaving the workbook unchanged. (#1241)

  • ExcelMcp now includes readable text from open Excel prompts in some data connection and PivotTable errors, and when a prompt blocks saving, closing, refresh checks, or account settings; if the text cannot be read, the error says so. It suggests finishing any needed sign-in and retrying before refreshing data, which still needs separate permission because it can change workbook data. (#1248)

    Save As also checks for prompts when working with a workbook that was already open, without answering prompts, reading passwords, or saving or discarding edits.

  • Worksheet and screenshot MCP tools now use the same command definitions as the CLI and batch commands. Existing command names, screenshot defaults, image results, and worksheet transfers without an open session are preserved. (#1242)

Get started

Requires Windows, desktop Excel 2016 or later, and a signed-in interactive
desktop session.

Where you work Setup
VS Code with GitHub Copilot Install Excel MCP Server from the VS Code Marketplace.
GitHub Copilot plugins Install excel-mcp, excel-cli, or both from Awesome Copilot.
Claude Desktop Download excel-mcp-2.5.6.mcpb below and double-click to install.
Another MCP client Set up the MCP Server.
An agent that runs terminal commands Set up the CLI.

Node.js 18 or later with npm and npx is required for the plugins, Claude
Desktop bundle, and npm installations. The VS Code extension and standalone
executables do not need Node.js or .NET. NuGet tools require .NET 10.

The plugins and VS Code extension include optional report-formatting guidance;
no separate skill download is needed. See the
installation guide for setup,
updates, and troubleshooting.

Downloads

Release asset What it contains
excel-mcp-2.5.6.vsix VS Code extension for manual installation.
excel-mcp-2.5.6.mcpb Claude Desktop bundle that launches the MCP Server through npm.
ExcelMcp-MCP-Server-2.5.6-windows.zip Standalone MCP Server (mcp-excel.exe).
ExcelMcp-MCP-Server-2.5.6-windows-arm64.zip Native ARM64 standalone MCP Server (mcp-excel.exe).
ExcelMcp-CLI-2.5.6-windows.zip Standalone CLI (excelcli.exe).
ExcelMcp-CLI-2.5.6-windows-arm64.zip Native ARM64 standalone CLI (excelcli.exe).

Before updating, finish your work and explicitly save and close workbook
sessions. Restart the MCP Server or CLI service to use the updated version;
installing an update does not replace a running process.

Documentation

Assets 14
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