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Troubleshooting Excel: A Quick Guide to Stop Crashes

Louie Morgan
Louie Morgan Originally published Feb 20, 24, updated Apr 16, 24
excel not responding

Ever been in the midst of an important Excel task only to face the frustration of unexpected crashes? You’re not alone. In this guide, you’ll be able to unravel the mystery behind Excel crashing issues, providing simple solutions that anyone can follow. Whether you’re on a Mac dealing with Excel crashes or your Excel keeps crashing on Windows 11, this straightforward guide aims to make your spreadsheet problems a thing of the past.

So dive in and discover several ways how to fix Excel crashing issues! Say goodbye to Excel headaches – let’s make your spreadsheets crash-free!

In this article
    1. Excel Across Platforms
    2. Common Scenarios Triggering Excel Crashes
    3. Culprits Behind Excel Crashes
    4. Silent Troublemaker: Corrupted Excel Files
    1. Update Excel
    2. Open Excel in Safe Mode
    3. Disable Add-Ins
    4. Disable Hardware Graphics
    5. Use Excel’s Built-In Repair Tool
    6. Reinstall Microsoft Office
    7. Run a Clean Boot
    8. Check for Malware
    1. Key Features and Benefits of Using Repairit – File Repair
    2. How To Use Repairit – File Repair
    1. Keep Excel Updated
    2. Manage Add-Ins and Extensions
    3. Efficient Use of System Resources

Part I: Why Does Excel Keep Crashing?

Have you ever been perplexed with Excel crashing on your trusty Mac or the latest Windows 11 system? Let’s decode the reasons behind these common Excel issues.

excel keeps crashing

Excel Across Platforms

Whether you’re a Mac enthusiast or a Windows 11 aficionado, Excel crashes seem to be an equal-opportunity annoyance. Users on both platforms often encounter the frustration of sudden disruptions, leaving them searching for answers.

Common Scenarios Triggering Excel Crashes

Excel crashes are not mere random glitches; they often follow specific scenarios. Overloaded spreadsheets, complex calculations, or resource-intensive operations can push Excel beyond its limits, leading to unexpected crashes.

Culprits Behind Excel Crashes

Delving into the why, we discover various factors conspiring to make your Excel experience less smooth. Outdated software, incompatible add-ins, or inadequate system resources can all play a role in these crashes. It’s like a puzzle; understanding each piece brings us closer to a solution.

Silent Troublemaker: Corrupted Excel Files

Corrupted Excel files stand out as a silent troublemaker among the usual suspects. Tainted by errors or inconsistencies, these files can wreak havoc on your spreadsheet stability. The impact? Frequent crashes and a lot of head-scratching.

In essence, Excel crashes are not a single-faceted issue but a convergence of factors. One key player in this scenario emerges as we navigate through the intricacies: the corrupted Excel file. Understanding its role sets the stage for the solutions you’ll explore in the next parts of the guide.

Stay tuned as this article moves forward, tackling these issues step by step, ensuring your Excel journey becomes smoother, crash-free, and much less mysterious.

Part II: How To Fix Excel Crashing Issues

Now that you’ve uncovered why Microsoft Excel keeps crashing, let’s embark on a journey to fix these issues and restore your spreadsheet endeavors. No technical jargon here – just straightforward solutions anyone can follow.

Update Excel

Before delving into complex solutions, start with the basics. Ensure your Excel is up-to-date. Regular updates often come with bug fixes and performance improvements that can address crashing issues. This is how you do it:

Step 1: Open your MS Office and click on File. Navigate to Account, then click the Update Options button.

ms office update now

Step 2: Select Update Now to see if there are any available updates. After the upgrades are completed, you will need to restart Excel, so ensure you have no unsaved work before attempting an update.

Open Excel in Safe Mode

Sometimes, a misbehaving add-in or an incompatible extension can be the root cause. Try opening Excel in Safe Mode – a stripped-down version that disables unnecessary features. If Excel works smoothly in this mode, it’s likely an add-in causing the trouble.

excel safe mode

Disable Add-Ins

Add-ins can enhance functionality, but they can also be troublemakers. Disable unnecessary add-ins and see if the crashes persist. This simple step might be the key to a stable Excel experience.

Step 1: Open your Excel workbook and navigate to the Insert button.

Step 2: Go to My Add-ins, and click the specific add-in you want to disable. Click the three buttons next to the add-in, then go to Remove.

my add ins excel

Disable Hardware Graphics

Excel utilizes hardware graphics acceleration but doesn’t always play nicely with all systems. Try disabling hardware graphics acceleration in Excel’s settings to see if it resolves the crashing issues, especially if your system has compatibility concerns.

Step 1: To disable hardware graphics acceleration, navigate to File, then click the Options button.

Step 2: Go to the Advanced section and check the Disable hardware graphics acceleration checkbox under Display.

disable hardware graphics in excel

Use Excel’s Built-In Repair Tool

Microsoft understands that even software needs a doctor sometimes. Utilize Excel’s built-in repair tool to scan and fix potential issues within the program. It’s a simple yet effective way to let Excel fix itself.

Step 1: To use this function, open Excel, select the File tab, and click Open to go to the workbook’s location.

Step 2: Select the Excel file you want to open, then click the drop-down arrow next to Open and choose Open and Repair.

open and repair in excel

Reinstall Microsoft Office

If all else fails, consider reinstalling Microsoft Office. This step ensures a clean slate, eliminating any corrupted files or configurations that might be causing the crashes. Remember to back up your important files before taking this step.

uninstall Microsoft 365

Run a Clean Boot

A clean boot minimizes background processes, helping identify if other software or services on your computer conflict with Excel. This method isolates the issue, making it easier to pinpoint and resolve. A clean boot differs from Safe Mode in a way that it just disables third-party startup programs, whereas Safe Mode does not launch anything unless necessary.

Check for Malware

Malware is a typical cause of software malfunctions, and Excel is no exception. These malicious apps can disrupt Excel’s usual operation, causing it to crash or freeze. As a result, it’s critical to have a strong line of protection against these potential dangers.

Start by making sure your antivirus software is up to date. Antivirus vendors routinely offer updates to protect their software from the latest dangers, so don’t disregard them. Once you’ve established that your antivirus software is up to date, perform a thorough scan of your machine. This technique will discover and remove any malware that is causing Excel to crash.

Some antivirus software may occasionally detect and block genuine apps, mistaking them for dangers. If Excel crashes right after an antivirus update or scan, you may need to change your antivirus settings to exclude Excel from its radar.

virus and threat protection

Remember, each of these steps is designed to be accessible, even if you’re not a tech whiz. Follow along, and let’s bid farewell to those pesky Excel crashes together. Smooth sailing awaits!

Part III: How To Fix Excel File Keeping Crashing With a Professional Solution

After exploring various DIY solutions, if you still face a misbehaving Excel file that refuses to cooperate, the culprit might just be file corruption. It means that the problem is not the Excel app itself, but it might be your Excel file is the one that’s corrupted. Thankfully, this article is about introducing a professional lifesaver in the form of Wondershare Repairit - File Repair.

Repairit steps onto the scene when the going gets tough. This software offers a straightforward solution that doesn’t require a tech-savvy background. That’s why one of the standout features of Repairit is its simplicity. Even if you’re not an expert in Excel or file repair, Repairit makes the process easy to follow. There are no complex steps or confusing procedures – just a user-friendly interface that effortlessly guides you through the repair process.

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file repair in repairit

Key Features and Benefits of Using Repairit – File Repair

Check out how amazing Repairit – File Repair is with its key features laid out below:

  • Efficiency Unleashed. Repairit doesn’t waste time. It swiftly scans your corrupted Excel file, identifying and addressing the issues causing the crashes. It’s like having a personal file doctor at your service.
  • Comprehensive Repair. Whether your Excel file is crashing due to corrupted formulas, formatting issues, or other complexities, Repairit has you covered. It addresses various problems to ensure your file comes out healthy and functional.
  • No Data Loss Assurance. Are you worried about losing crucial data during the repair process? Fear not. Repairit prioritizes your data integrity, ensuring that your repaired Excel file retains all its essential information.
  • User-Friendly Interface. Navigating through complex software can be daunting. Repairit bucks the trend with an intuitive interface that makes file repair accessible to users of all levels.
  • Time-Saving Solution. Instead of spending hours trying different fixes, Repairit offers a swift and efficient solution. Save time and get your Excel file back on track without unnecessary delays.

How To Use Repairit – File Repair

Wondershare Repairit allows anyone to fix damaged Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files. Here are the easy steps on how to use it:

Step 1: Install and launch Wondershare Repairit on your Windows PC, then go to the File Repair area under More Types Repair. This will open a browser window in which you may click the Add button to upload your corrupted files. You can select and load several documents into Repairit.

icon note
Note:Repairit also has a batch-processing feature that enables you to load several documents in various formats and repair them simultaneously.
add files in repairit

Step 2: As you add your files, Repairit loads them and displays their progress on the screen. After successfully adding your files, Repairit will also show their details. Here, you can see their titles, sizes, and locations.

icon note
Note:If you accidentally uploaded a file, you may delete it by selecting the “trash” icon next to it. To delete all files altogether, click the Remove All button toward the bottom. Aside from that, you may use the + Add File(s) button in the bottom panel to upload any extra documents.
remove all files in repairit

Step 3: When finished adding, click the Repair button at the bottom to start the process. Repairit will scan the loaded documents and correct any small or major problems. It also lets you track the status of any file’s repair process and cancel it if required. It also displays which files have previously been repaired, are now being scanned, or are awaiting repair.

start repair in repairit

Step 4: Repairit will notify you with a prompt once the file repair procedure is complete. A pop-up notification will appear, stating how many files have been successfully repaired.

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Note: You will also be informed if a document has been severely corrupted and cannot be restored. Select the relevant Image name from the interface to contact an expert in this case. Simply load the severely corrupted file and describe the current scenario to receive assistance from an expert.
successful repair in repairit

Step 5: Click the Preview button next to any file icon once the repair process is complete. This allows you to examine the outcome of the repair process before saving any documents. If you want to export the file, click the Save option.

icon note
Note:You may also use the Save icon next to the Preview button on the home screen. Select the Save All button in the bottom panel to export all repaired files at once.
save file in repairit

In a world where corrupted Excel files can throw a wrench into your productivity, Repairit emerges as the superhero that swoops in to save the day. It’s the answer to those persistent crashes, ensuring your Excel files are fixed and rejuvenated for seamless use. So, if you’ve tried the DIY route and still find your Excel file misbehaving, give Repairit a shot!

Part IV: Best Practices and Tips To Avoid Excel Crashes

Now that you’ve mastered fixing Excel crashes, it’s time to shift your focus to prevention. Proactive measures can go a long way in ensuring a hassle-free Excel experience. Here are some easy-to-follow tips.

how to avoid excel crashes

Keep Excel Updated

Regularly updating your Excel software is akin to giving it a health boost. Updates often come equipped with bug fixes and improvements, reducing the likelihood of encountering crashes. So, make it a habit to check for updates and keep your Excel sailing on smooth waters.

Manage Add-Ins and Extensions

Add-ins and extensions can be useful, but an excess can lead to trouble. Manage them wisely by disabling unnecessary ones. This frees up system resources and minimizes the risk of conflicts that can trigger crashes.

Efficient Use of System Resources

Like any other software, Excel operates within the confines of your computer’s resources. Avoid overloading it with massive datasets or complex calculations. Efficiently utilizing system resources ensures a harmonious relationship between Excel and your computer, reducing the chances of crashes.

By incorporating these simple practices into your Excel routine, you’re not just preventing crashes but also enhancing the overall performance of your spreadsheet endeavors. Think of it as giving your Excel a well-deserved spa day – it operates better when cared for regularly.

Conclusion

As this journey through the world of Excel crashes wraps up, remember the key to a frustration-free experience lies in proactive measures. Regular updates, smart add-in management, and efficient resource use pave the way for stable Excel adventures. Make use of the several methods on how to fix Excel crashing issues provided in this article as well.

If the occasional crash interrupts your spreadsheet serenity, embrace Repairit – File Repair as your go-to solution. It’s your trusted ally in fixing corrupted Excel files, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. So, take charge, and let Repairit be your superhero in the face of file corruption.

Louie Morgan
Louie Morgan Apr 16, 24
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Louie Morgan
Written by Louie Morgan
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