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Excel Won’t Open on Windows 11? Here’s What to do
Can’t open the Excel files on Windows 11? Try these fixes
6 min. read
Updated onJanuary 15, 2024
updated onJanuary 15, 2024
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Are Microsoft Excel files not opening on Windows 11? Many users have been facing this issue in recent days.
Usually, You can easily open any Excel files usingMicrosoft Excelor other supported programs. But there is an issue if that doesn’t happen on your PC. You can try some methods to solve the Excel files, not an opening problem on Windows 11. However, before knowing about that, we should know about the reasons.
Why are Excel files not opening on my Windows 11 PC?
If you cannot open any or some Excel files, these are the possible reasons:
How can I fix it if Excel files are not opening on Windows 11?
First, you should do the following things before going through the actual methods:
After ensuring the above things, follow these methods to solve the Excel files not opening an issue on Windows 11:
1. End any Excel and Office processes from Task Manager
Sometimes,some background processesremain active for a glitch with either Windows or Office, even though the application was closed. So when next time the user wants to open that app, they may face problem. It may happen with Microsoft Excel too.
2. Ignore other apps that use DDE
According to some users, unchecking the above option fixes the Excel file not opening issue on Windows 11.
3. Reset file associations
After resetting, when you open any Excel file next time, you may get the option to choose which program to use. Select excel. This time, the problem will not appear.
If necessary, learnhow to fix file association issues on Windows.
4. Open Excel in Safe Mode
If there is something wrong with the Excel configuration, but you cannot figure it out, Safe Mode is an excellent way. For example, those who cannot open a spreadsheet file with Excel on Windows 11 can try the Safe Mode method.
5. Disable add-ins
Add-ins can enhance your experience with Microsoft Office. However, sometimes, these can be the root of the problem. Disabling any third-party add-ins can help you to solve the Excel file not opening issue.
6. Repair Microsoft Office
If possible, you should choose the Online Repair option rather than Quick Repair. However, if the problem is critical, the online method is the best way to sort it out.
Is the above process failing? Learnhow to fix couldn’t repair Office problem.
Repairing Excel can also help you fix issues likeException from HRESULT 0x800a03ec; read this guide to learn more.
7. Re-install MS Office
For this, you can useRevoorIObit Uninstallertoo. These third-party options are better than Windows uninstallers. These can remove any program from your PC without leaving any leftovers.
If you don’t have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you may need to follow slightly different steps to download Office apps.
After installing, try to open the Excel files again and see if it has fixed the problem.
8. Use Excel online
You won’t have to upload if the Excel file is stored online like inOneDrive. Instead, you can view all of your current file names in Excel. Just click on the preferred one you want to open.
If, after trying the other methods, the problem persists, consider using Excel online. Like Google Sheets, Microsoft also has made its service online, which is, in fact, more powerful.
Sometimes, the file you try to open is not well-optimized for Excel. In this case, you can use otherOffice alternativeslike Google Sheets, Libra Office, etc. Also, consider using any CSV viewers if it is a CSV file.
Hopefully, the above suggestions will help to fix the Excel files, not an opening problem on Windows 11. If you have tips or methods to help others, feel free to let us know in the comment box.
More about the topics:Microsoft Excel,Microsoft Office,Windows 11
Hasibul Kabir
Windows Software Expert
Hasibul Kabir is a Tech-Enthusiast Blogger, Web Developer & Hobbyist Game Developer. Writing about Technology, mainly Windows, Mac, iOS, etc., is his main focus, besides doing some computer science-related work.
He loves exploring new technology and presenting it with simple words to the audience. When not at work, Hasibul plays video games, explores nature, tastes delicious foods, or learns new things.
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Hasibul Kabir
Windows Software Expert
He’s a tech enthusiast, web developer & hobbyist game developer with a keen eye for Windows errors & bugs.
