mcp-server-xlwings

What is mcp-server-xlwings?

mcp-server-xlwings is an MCP server that automates Excel via xlwings COM, enabling interaction with live Excel sessions, including DRM-protected files. It is designed for enterprise users who need to read/write Excel data that other libraries (like openpyxl or pandas) cannot access due to encryption, locked files, or running macros.

How to use mcp-server-xlwings?

Install with uvx mcp-server-xlwings (recommended) or pip install mcp-server-xlwings. Configure your MCP client (e.g., Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Roo Code, Cursor, Windsurf, Continue) by adding a JSON or YAML entry pointing to the uvx command and server name. All tools default to the active workbook when no workbook is specified.

Key features of mcp-server-xlwings

• Uses COM automation for live Excel interaction
• Works with DRM-protected and locked files
• Reads current selection and active workbook
• Runs VBA macros and returns values
• Sets formulas with live calculated results
• Provides 11 tools for read, write, format, sheet, and macro actions

Use cases of mcp-server-xlwings

• See what the user is working on in their open spreadsheet
• Summarize selected data directly from the active workbook
• Run existing VBA macros and retrieve return values
• Add formulas and formatting to enterprise Excel files
• Read formulas with their calculated values across multiple sheets

FAQ from mcp-server-xlwings

What makes mcp-server-xlwings different from openpyxl/pandas?

openpyxl and pandas read .xlsx files directly from disk. mcp-server-xlwings uses COM automation to talk to the running Excel process, allowing it to open DRM-protected files, interact with live formulas and macros, and work with files locked by other processes.

What are the system requirements?

Windows (Excel COM automation is Windows-only), Microsoft Excel installed, and Python 3.10 or higher.

Can it run VBA macros?

Yes. The run_macro tool executes a VBA macro and returns its return value.

Does it support reading the user's current selection?

Yes. The get_active_workbook tool returns the workbook name, sheets, and the current selection data.

Is mcp-server-xlwings cross-platform?

No. It requires Windows because of its dependency on COM automation for Microsoft Excel.