Microsoft Excel users have reported issues with the program with regards to Excel not opening files.

If tweaking the program’s settings fails, run an expert Excel repair tool

  • Excel is the dedicated spreadsheet tool that comes bundled with the Microsoft Suite of programs.

  • The guide below will be covering several fixes for the Excel file not opening issues.

  • If you’re unable to open Excel files directly by clicking on the file icon or a blank screen appears when opening certain files, you’ve come to the right place.

  • Download Restoro PC Repair Tool that comes with Patented Technologies (patent available here).

  • Click Start Scan to find Windows issues that could be causing PC problems.

  • Click Repair All to fix issues affecting your computer’s security and performance

  • Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

If you’ve had a similar experience, you’ve probably noticed that when you try to double-click on an Excel file or an icon for a workbook, the program starts up but you get a blank white screen instead of the intended file.

Some users have circumvented this issue by using this path File > Open > Workbook. But it’s much easier to just double-click, right?

However, the issue, as described by Microsoft Support, arises from the fact that Excel got a security upgrade such that there are changes in the behavior of certain types of files in the way they open in Excel.

This change, as explained, came with three security updates: KB3115322, KB3115262, and KB3170008.

Unlike the former times when you would try to open HTML or XLA files with an Excel .xls extension, the program would caution over the disconnect between the file and contents but open without Protected View security.

After these updates, the program will not open workbooks but will show a blank screen instead.

It doesn’t even warn you that it did not open the file.

What do I do if Excel doesn’t open files?

Excel file not opening cases are more common than you think. Even more common is for the issue to happen because the files you may be trying to open are incompatible with the Protected View feature.

  • What do I do if Excel doesn’t open files?
    1. Uncheck the ignore DDE option
  • Fix Excel file not opening by unchecking the ignore DDE box
    1. Reset file associations to fix Excel file not opening
    1. Fix Excel file not opening by repairing the program
    1. Turn off add-ins to fix the Excel file not opening error
    1. Disable Hardware Graphics Acceleration if Excel won’t open files

Don’t worry, we have prepared some quick-fix solutions you can use to resolve Excel file not opening issues, and keep on using the easy way to access your workbooks by double-clicking them.

1. Uncheck the ignore DDE option

Fix Excel file not opening by unchecking the ignore DDE box

One of the reasons your Excel program is not opening files may be caused by the Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) option selected.

The function of the DDE is to send a message to the program once you double-click, which then instructs it to open the file or workbook you have double-clicked to open.

  1. Open Microsoft Excel.

  2. Go to File in the top left corner of the screen.

  3. Click on Options.

  4. Select Advanced from the menu.

  5. Navigate to the General tab.

  6. Uncheck the Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) box.

  7. Click Ok to apply and save the changes.

Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.Click here to download and start repairing.

Expert tip:

SPONSORED

  1. Check if you can open the desired Excel file.

Note: if you select Ignore, Excel ignores all DDE instructions sent from other programs to itself, thus it will not open the workbook you have double-clicked.

You can fix this issue and open hundreds of other file formats with a single application.

File Viewer Plus is a universal file viewer for Windows that can open and display over 300 different file types, with support for Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, and Project files.

Then if you want to resolve this issue using useful Windows file viewer software, have a try now with File Viewer 4 Plus.

You can download it for free from the official website or buy it at an affordable price.

2. Reset file associations to fix Excel file not opening

  • Right-click the Start button.
  • Select Control Panel.
  • Click Programs then click Default Programs.
  • Under Default Programs, click the Set your default programs. A search process will begin to find your default programs.
  • From the list of default programs, choose Excel.
  • Now, click on Choose default for this program.
  • The Set Program Associations screen will open up. Click Select All.
  • Click Save which sets off the saving process and OK.

You’ll need to reset the Excel file associations to default settings, and here above are the steps to follow.

3. Fix Excel file not opening by repairing the program

  • Right-click the Start button and select Control Panel.
  • Click Programs and select Uninstall Programs.
  • Now, click Microsoft Office and select Change.
  • Finally, click Online Repair, then select Repair.

Sometimes the only other solution would be to repair your Microsoft Office programs. Here’s how to go about this.

Once you do the above, reboot your computer.

4. Turn off add-ins to fix the Excel file not opening error

There are two types of add-ins that can cause the Excel program not to open files. These are:

  • Excel add-in
  • COM add-in

These add-ins need to be turned off one after the other if you have to test, disable and isolate the issue, and here’s how to go about it:

  • Open Excel program
  • If it opens a new workbook, go to File.
  • Click on Options and select Add-Ins from the left pane.
  • Locate Manage at the bottom of the open screen.
  • On the drop-down, select COM Add-ins and click Go.
  • From the open box, clear one of the add-ins on the list and click OK.

Once all these steps are followed, restart the Excel program by double-clicking on a file or icon of the workbook you want to open.

Note: in case the problem recurs, repeat the first seven steps, then choose a different add-in to clear, and try this as you go along.

If it opens, then you’ll know the add-in you selected last is the one causing the issue. Then, you can find an update or newer version of the add-in from the manufacturer’s website, or turn it off if unavailable.

5. Disable Hardware Graphics Acceleration if Excel won’t open files

  • Open the Excel program and go to File.
  • Now, click Options and select Advanced.
  • Find the Display tab. Then, locate and check the Disable hardware graphics acceleration box.
  • Click OK and you should be done.

Follow these steps to disable hardware graphics acceleration and let us know if you managed to fix the Excel file not opening issue by doing so.

  • Fix: Most of The Features Have Been Disabled [Word, Excel]
  • Fix: Credential Manager Not Working / Not Saving Passwords

If none of the above solutions worked, then contact Microsoft Support for further options.

Did any of these solutions work for you? Share with us in the comments section.

If the advices above haven’t solved your issue, your PC may experience deeper Windows problems. We recommend downloading this PC Repair tool (rated Great on TrustPilot.com) to easily address them. After installation, simply click the Start Scan button and then press on Repair All.

Still having issues? Fix them with this tool:

  • ExcelMicrosoft Officewindows 10

Email *

Commenting as . Not you?

Comment