Merge lists even with typos and inconsistent names. Tune the similarity threshold, use a transform table, and audit results ...

Use formulas instead of Power Query for tidy files, with a visible source path and clear parameters that teammates can review ...

Microsoft updates for Excel in January 2026 introduce Agent Mode with Copilot, new import tools, clearer error messages, Power Query on Mac and Web, and Office Scripts automation to ease daily tasks.

From hidden rows to sheet protection passwords, Excel's "privacy" features are easily bypassed—encryption and deletion are much more watertight.

Q. There was a December 2020 article in the JofA about cleaning and joining data using a program called Alteryx, but we don’t have access to this program. Could you explain how to do those tasks using ...

Have you ever spent hours wrestling with messy spreadsheets, trying to clean up data that just won’t cooperate? Or maybe you’ve found yourself manually merging files, painstakingly copying and pasting ...

Microsoft’s January 2026 update puts Excel back in the spotlight. After a brief pause late last year, the company has resumed its monthly feature recap, and thi ...

How to combine data ranges with Microsoft Power Query in Excel Your email has been sent Microsoft Power Query showed up in Excel 2016, though earlier versions can ...

How to remove duplicate Excel records before running a mail merge with Word Your email has been sent Sending the same letter to a few people is easy, and you can probably have them all addressed and ...

is a senior editor and author of Notepad, who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years. Microsoft is overhauling Excel with the ability to support custom live data types.