excel auto refresh

I am an 'ancient' amateur user of Excel etc but am not in the category that understands all the tech jargon!

Mention of Insider/Beta builds like Windows 2506 (19008.2000+) or Mac 16.99+ and Current Channel leaves me in no doubt that I am out of my depth!

The only version number I can find is what I have already provided. The pivot table I created uses a table in the workbook, not from external source.

It would seem the best course of action for me, is no action, and have wait until Microsoft can accept that there is a gap in their system/software which must affect a lot of users that are in my position.

I should not blame others for my inadequacies but if you do have a line to Microsoft that can understand my frustration and convince them to update their basic package so that normal people can use the 'auto refresh' facilities, I would appreciate that

I don't want to give up but thanks you Bob and Aron for trying to help me so far.

Richard

I get what you’re running into.

Auto Refresh for PivotTables was added in mid-2025 but it’s still rolling out, and right now it only works on Insider/Beta builds like Windows 2506 (19008.2000+) or Mac 16.99+.

Renewing your subscription doesn’t change your update channel, so if you’re on the Current Channel, the feature won’t appear yet.

For now, you can enable “Refresh data when opening the file” in PivotTable Options, make sure the source is an Excel Table, and confirm calculation isn’t set to Manual.

What version and channel do your Excel show, and is your PivotTable linked to an external source or just a table in the workbook?

Regards,
Aron

Thanks again.

Belongs to : my personal email address ie I use/registered it for personal use.

Last started when upgraded to Mac version MacOS Tahoe 26.2 so have therefore restarted but no change. Viewed on full screen, so unless hidden in some other heading, still not visible.

File is saved in current file .xlsx.

Am at a loss as to what else can be done??!!

Version 16.104 is the correct & latest release which is what my screenshot depicts.. Are you shown as the Belongs to: in the About... dialog or is some business or organization indicated? (Don't disclose that information, though.)

When did you last restart the Mac? Some new features don't appear after provided by an update until the Mac is restarted. Unfortunately there is no notification to that effect.

Also, be sure the window is wide enough to fully display the Data group on the PivotTable Analysis tab.

Note that unless the file is saved in a current file type [e.g., .xlsx] the tools still should be there but is not active.

Thanks. Yes it is what I am looking for and established that the version I have is 16.104 (25121423) which does not seem to be the right version. After I sent thru my original message, I ensured that all updates have been installed. The licence is shown as .... Licence: Microsoft 365 Subscription