> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.getcellm.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Install

> Add Cellm to Excel

This guide will walk you through installing Cellm and getting it ready to use in Excel. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

## Requirements

Before installing Cellm, you'll need Windows 10 or higher, Excel 2010 or higher, and the .NET 9.0 Runtime on your computer.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion icon="file-excel" title="Install Excel">
    1. Open "Microsoft Store" on your computer and search for "Microsoft 365"
    2. Click "Install" and follow the install procedure. Requires a Microsoft 365 subscription.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="desktop" title="Install .NET 9.0 Runtime">
    1. Go to [https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download/dotnet/9.0](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download/dotnet/9.0).
    2. In the ".NET Runtime" table, find the "Windows" row and "Installers" column  and click on `x64` to download the installer.
    3. Run the installer.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Install

To install Cellm:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download the installer">
    Go to the [Github Release page](https://github.com/getcellm/cellm/releases) and download the latest `Cellm-AddIn-Release-x64.msi`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run the installer">
    Run the installer and follow the prompts.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion icon="message-bot" title="Install Ollama to use local models (optional)">
    <Info>
      If you want to use the more powerful hosted models right away, you can skip this step. The [Hosted Models](/models/hosted-models) section shows you how.
    </Info>

    To get started with local models, we recommend you try out the Gemma 4 E4B model. Gemma 4 E4B is a wonderful little model that will run fine on your CPU, ensuring no data ever leaves your computer. And it's free.

    1. Download and install [Ollama](https://ollama.com/). Ollama will start after the install and automatically run whenever you start up your computer.
    2. When you select an Ollama model in Cellm, it will prompt you to download it automatically. Alternatively, open the Windows Terminal, type `ollama pull gemma4:e4b` and hit Enter.
    3. Open Excel and type `=PROMPT("What model are you and who made you?")`. The model will respond that it is Gemma 4 and made by Google.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="plug" title="Enable MCP (optional)">
    MCP lets AI models use external tools like web browsers, file systems, CRM systems, and databases. To use MCP servers and tools, you may need to install:

    **Node.js** (to run Node.js-based MCP servers):

    1. Go to [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org)
    2. Download the LTS version installer for Windows
    3. Run the installer and follow the prompts
    4. Verify installation by opening Windows Terminal and typing `node --version`

    **uv** (to run Python-based MCP servers):

    1. Open Windows Terminal
    2. Run: `powershell -ExecutionPolicy ByPass -c "irm https://astral.sh/uv/install.ps1 | iex"`
    3. Verify installation by typing `uv --version`

    **Playwright dependencies** (for the built-in Internet Browser tool):

    1. After installing Node.js, open Windows Terminal
    2. Run: `npx playwright install --with-deps`

    <Info>
      Node.js and uv are runtimes that let you run MCP servers on your computer. Playwright is a specific built-in tool for browser automation. HTTP-based MCP servers run remotely and don't require any installations.
    </Info>
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Upgrade

When a new version of Cellm is released, simply repeat the installation steps above with the latest installer.

## Uninstall

If you ever need to remove Cellm from your computer:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Add or Remove programs">
    Search for "Add or remove programs" in the Windows start menu and open it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Uninstall Cellm">
    Select "Cellm" from the list and click "Uninstall".
  </Step>
</Steps>

## You're all set!

Cellm is now installed and ready to use. Open Excel and look for the new **Cellm** tab in the ribbon menu. From there, you can start using AI in your spreadsheets.

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Prompting" icon="text" href="/usage/prompting">
    Learn how to use Cellm to automate repetitive tasks in Excel.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Function Calling" icon="function" href="/usage/function-calling">
    Learn how to use Excel as a low-code task orchestrator by enabling Cellm to access external tools and data.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Local Models" icon="server" href="/models/local-models">
    Learn how to run models on your own computer. No data ever leaves your machine. And it's free.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Hosted Models" icon="network-wired" href="/models/hosted-models">
    Learn how to bring your own API key (BOYK) and use models from Anthropic, OpenAI, and others.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>