Install XLlama for Windows Excel: Step-by-Step Guide

The same steps in writing #

Set up XLlama once, then use it from the XLlama ribbon in Excel. No terminal commands are needed.

Deploying for a company? Use the IT deployment guide and ZIP instead of the interactive installer.

1. Download and install XLlama #

Download XLlama-Setup.exe.
Save your work and close every Excel window.
Run the downloaded file. If Windows shows the warning below, confirm you downloaded it from this guide. To continue with this unsigned installer, choose More info → Run anyway, if your computer permits it.

Windows warning: More info, then Run anyway for the downloaded XLlama installer.

Choose Install XLlama. If setup asks for .NET Desktop Runtime or WebView2, use its download button, install that component, then choose Check again. Your company may require an administrator to approve installation.

XLlama Setup detects Excel and checks required components before installation.

2. Open XLlama in Excel #

Open Excel, create or open a workbook, then choose XLlama → Open XLlama in the ribbon.

3. Install Ollama #

If Ollama is not installed, choose Get Ollama in the task pane, then Download for Windows. Run Ollama’s installer and choose Install.

Get Ollama opens the Windows download page.

If Ollama offers an account, choose No thanks, I’ll use Ollama locally. XLlama uses downloaded local models; an Ollama cloud account is not needed.

Choose No thanks, I’ll use Ollama locally when this screen appears.

4. Download your first model #

Return to XLlama and choose Manage models.
Enter gemma3:4b and choose Download model. For a smaller download, try gemma3:1b.
Wait for the download to finish. The current model is marked In use; choose Use model to switch to another installed model.

Open Manage models, enter a local model name and choose Download model.

Downloads need internet access. After download, the model can answer locally. Screenshots may show slightly different labels as the interface improves.

5. Ask your first question #

Choose ← Chat.
Select a small table in Excel and keep Selected cells checked.
Type Summarize this feedback in three bullet points and choose Send.

With no sample data, open Help → Create demo sheet. It adds a small table and formula examples as text; copy a formula into an empty cell when you want to run it.

If something does not connect #

Open Help → Diagnostics → Run diagnostics. It checks Ollama, the connection and your model. Leave the address at http://127.0.0.1:11434 unless you deliberately configured another local port. No Office.js origins command or browser permission is required.

Free is ready without a key. To activate Pro, open Settings → License, paste your XLlama key and choose Activate key.