Installing Python and xlwings

What is xlwings?

1. A library that allows you to control Excel using Python
   1. Official site: https://docs.xlwings.org/en/stable/index.html

tip

There are several ways to run Excel with Python. As of 2025-02-10, I consulted ChatGPT and xlwings was recommended. This guide is based on that recommendation.

Info

There are various ways to install Python on Windows, but after some trial and error, I settled on a simple approach.
At first, I tried tools like uv thinking version management might be useful, but since the goal was to replace Excel VBA, additional features turned out to be unnecessary—even a hindrance.

Before Installing Python

1. Make sure Microsoft Excel is installed
2. If Python is already installed, check the version:

   1.  python --version
3. Check the Python version recommended by xlwings:
   1. https://docs.xlwings.org/en/stable/installation.html
4. If your current version is newer than the recommendation, it should be fine.
   If you need to reinstall, uninstall the old version first.
   1. After uninstalling, check for leftover entries in the PATH or environment variables.
      1. Strange or outdated paths can cause unexpected issues.

tip

Displaying Environment Variables

1. Press Windows Key + R to open "Run", then enter the following and execute:

   1.  %WINDIR%\System32\SystemPropertiesComputerName.exe
   2. Click the "Advanced" tab > "Environment Variables..."

Installing Python

1. Download a stable version from the official site (look for one labeled "latest version"):
   1. https://www.python.org/downloads/
   2. Example: python-3.13.2-amd64.exe
2. Run the downloaded file to install
   1. Enable the option to add Python to PATH if available
      1. This allows you to run it from any location
3. After installation, check the version in PowerShell:

   1.  python --version
4. If the version doesn’t appear or something seems wrong, check the executed path:

   1.  gcm python | fl
      1. Here's an example output; line 5 (Path) shows where Python is installed:

         Name            : python.exe
         CommandType     : Application
         Definition      : C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python313\python.exe
         Extension       : .exe
         Path            : C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python313\python.exe
         FileVersionInfo : File:             C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python313\python.exe
                         InternalName:     Python Console
                         OriginalFilename: python.exe
                         FileVersion:      3.13.2
                         FileDescription:  Python
                         Product:          Python
                         ProductVersion:   3.13.2
                         Debug:            False
                         Patched:          False
                         PreRelease:       False
                         PrivateBuild:     False
                         SpecialBuild:     False
                         Language:         Neutral
   2. If the path differs from the one you just installed, check your environment variables.
      1. If the path is C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps\python.exe, this will be prioritized regardless of PATH settings. Delete python.exe and python3.exe from this folder.
         1. tip

            These files only redirect to the Microsoft Store, so it's safe to remove them.

Installing xlwings

1. Install using pip in PowerShell:

   1.  pip install xlwings
2. Install the xlwings add-in:

   1.  xlwings addin install
   2. After installation, a new tab for xlwings will appear in Excel
      1. 
3. That's it!

If You Need Optional Dependencies for xlwings

1. https://docs.xlwings.org/en/stable/installation.html#optional-dependencies

Updating xlwings

1.  pip install --upgrade xlwings
2. After upgrading, reinstall the add-in to sync:

   1.  xlwings addin install