How to Fix "Excel Spreadsheet Not Opening" Issue?

When you're on a tight deadline, the last thing you need is Excel refusing to open. Unfortunately, this is a common issue. Sometimes, a specific Excel spreadsheet won’t open, while other times, the entire application fails to launch.

If you're facing this problem, you're in the right place. This guide covers why the “Excel spreadsheet not opening error” appears and how to fix it. Let’s get started.

Part 1. Common Reasons That Excel Spreadsheet Won’t Open

Excel is a powerful tool, but sometimes Excel won’t open spreadsheets due to various issues. Here are some common reasons why this happens:

• Problematic Extensions: Some add-ins may prevent Excel spreadsheets from opening certain files. If this happens, you can open Excel but not a specific file.
• Broken File Association: If your Excel spreadsheet isn’t linked to the correct application, your PC won’t know how to open it. This can prevent files from opening properly.
• Outdated or Corrupt Microsoft Office: Using an outdated Office version may cause compatibility issues. A corrupted Office installation can also prevent Excel from opening spreadsheets.
• Corrupt Excel File: Excel spreadsheets can become corrupted due to malware, improper transfers, or faulty external drives.
• Lack of Communication with Other Applications: If Excel can’t communicate with your operating system or other applications, it may fail to open spreadsheets.

Part 2. Common Fixes for Excel Spreadsheets Not Opening

Experiencing any of the file issues mentioned above? Let’s look at the top solutions to fix the "Excel spreadsheet not opening" error.

Fix 1: Update Excel and Windows

Keeping Excel and Windows updated helps prevent errors and compatibility issues. Microsoft releases updates to fix bugs, improve security, and enhance performance.

If Excel spreadsheets won’t open, updating both Excel and Windows can often fix the problem by guaranteeing you have the latest features and improvements.

First, let's update your Excel app. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open Excel. Click File and find Account (or Office Account).

Step 2: Click Update Options and select Update Now under Product Information.

Step 3: Let the updates download and install.

Step 4: Restart Excel to apply the installed updates.

For updating your Windows operating system, see the following steps:

Step 1: Press Windows + I to navigate to your system’s Settings.

Step 2: Go to Update & Security and hit Windows Update.

Step 3: Click Check for updates.

Step 4: Click Download and install all if updates are available.

Step 5: Restart your PC.

Fix 2: Disable Add-ins

Excel add-ins enhance functionality but can sometimes cause conflicts, preventing spreadsheets from opening. Problematic or outdated add-ins may interfere with Excel’s performance, leading to crashes or errors.

Disabling add-ins can help identify if one is causing the issue. By running Excel in safe mode and turning off add-ins, you can troubleshoot and restore normal operation.

Here are the steps to disable add-ins:

Step 1: Open Excel, access the File tab and select Options.

Step 2: In the Excel Options window, go to Add-ins.

Step 3: At the bottom, select COM Add-ins from the Manage dropdown and click Go.

Step 4: Uncheck all add-ins to disable them.

Step 5: Click OK and close the window.

Now, try opening your Excel file. If it works, an add-in was the issue. You can re-enable them one by one to find the faulty ones. If the problem persists, the add-in is likely corrupt and should be permanently disabled.

Fix 3: Repair Microsoft Office

If Excel spreadsheets don’t open, the issue might be with Microsoft Office itself. Corrupted or missing files can cause Excel to malfunction, preventing you from accessing your spreadsheets. Fortunately, Microsoft Office has a built-in repair tool that can fix these problems.

Running a repair ensures that all essential files are intact and restores Excel’s functionality without needing a complete reinstallation. This simple fix can help resolve errors and get your spreadsheets working again.

See the below steps to repair Microsoft Office:

Step 1: Hit Windows + R to open the Run dialogue box.

Step 2: Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter to open Programs and Features.

Step 3: Find Microsoft Office in the list.

Step 4: Right-click your Microsoft Office and select Change.

Step 5: Choose Quick Repair and click Repair.

Step 6: Follow the easy on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Fix 4: Check for File Corruption Through ‘Open and Repair’ Feature

A common reason for Excel spreadsheets not opening is file corruption. This can happen if Excel crashes while saving or if a macro causes issues. When this occurs, you may not be able to open the file by double-clicking it.

Fortunately, Excel has a built-in ‘Open and Repair’ feature that can help recover damaged files. Using this tool, you can repair the corrupted file or extract its data if repair isn’t possible. This simple fix can restore access to your spreadsheet without needing third-party recovery tools.

How to fix a corrupt Excel spreadsheet? See the following steps:

Step 1: Open Excel to make a new blank spreadsheet.

Step 2: Click the File tab and select Open (or press Ctrl + O).

Step 3: Locate the corrupted file in the list or click Browse to find it.

Step 4: In the Open dialogue box, click the arrow next to the Open button.

Step 5: Select Open and Repair from the menu.

Step 6: Choose Repair first. If that fails, select Extract Data to recover what you can.

If these steps don’t work, you may need additional recovery tools.

Part 3. Advanced Solution – Repair ‘Excel Won’t Open Spreadsheet’ Using File Repair Tool

Still suffering from corrupted Excel spreadsheet files? If your Excel files are severely damaged, you can repair them using Repairit File Repair. Unlike Excel’s built-in repair feature, Repairit provides advanced file recovery for better results. This easy-to-use tool fixes corrupted Excel files with just a few clicks.

Simply upload your damaged Excel files, and Repairit will restore them quickly. It works for all types of file corruption. Once repaired, you can preview the results and save the files wherever you like.

Key Features:

• Works with almost all Excel spreadsheet files (XLSX, XLSM, XLTX, XLTM, XLS).
• Fix common problems like blank files, unreadable data, slow performance, and Excel spreadsheets that won’t open.
• Restores Excel spreadsheet tables, charts, formulas, comments, and images.
• Operates with Microsoft Excel 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and Office 365.
• Uses advanced scanning for high success rates, even on severely damaged Excel spreadsheets.
• No limits on file size or the number of files repaired.
• Works smoothly on Windows (Win 11/10/8/7 & Server editions) and macOS (10.10–13).

Repairit File Repair quickly fixes Excel spreadsheets with various issues in minutes. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Install and open Repairit Excel File Repair. Access the More Types Repair and File Repair.

Click Add to upload the corrupted Excel spreadsheet files.

Step 2: Click Repair to start the Excel spreadsheet repair process. Wait for the software to fix the Excel spreadsheet while monitoring the progress.

Step 3: Once done, use the Preview option to check the repaired Excel spreadsheet. If the spreadsheet looks good, click Save to store it in your preferred location.

Part 4. Preventive Measures to Avoid Excel Spreadsheet Issues

Follow these simple tips to prevent common spreadsheet issues and keep Excel running smoothly.

1. Keep backups. Always save copies of important spreadsheets to avoid losing data.
2. Update Excel and Windows. Regular updates fix bugs and improve compatibility.
3. Avoid force-closing Excel. Let files save properly to prevent corruption.
4. Disable unnecessary add-ins. Too many add-ins can slow Excel or cause errors.
5. Use reliable storage. Save files on trusted drives to prevent data loss.
6. Enable AutoSave. This feature helps recover unsaved work in case of crashes.
7. Scan for viruses. Malware can corrupt Excel files, so use antivirus software.
8. Close excel properly. Always exit Excel correctly instead of shutting it down abruptly.

Conclusion

Dealing with an Excel spreadsheet that won’t open can be annoying, but there are quick solutions to fix the issue. From updating Excel and disabling add-ins to repairing Microsoft Office and using the built-in "Open and Repair" feature, these solutions can help restore access to your files.

If your spreadsheet is severely damaged, Repairit File Repair offers an advanced recovery option with a high success rate. To prevent future issues, keep backups, update your software, and follow best practices for file management. With these steps, you can keep Excel running smoothly and avoid disruptions.