[Fixed!] Excel Files Not Opening from File Explorer (7 Quick Solutions)

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There are several issues for which the excel file does not open properly and It’s bothering us if we can’t open a file. So here, I’ll try to introduce the frequently happened issues and 7 solutions with clear illustrations if Excel files are not opening from file explorer.


Excel Files Not Opening from File Explorer: 7 Fixes

Have a look, I tried to open an Excel file but I couldn’t. Now I’ll show 7 possible solutions to solve this problem.


1. Choose the Correct Application to Open Excel File

First, I’ll show the most common reason for not opening a file- maybe you are opening the file in the wrong app. You must ensure the proper app for a file to open.

Steps:

  • Right-click your mouse on the file.
  • Then select Open with from the appeared context menu.

Choose the Correct Application to fix the problem when Excel files are not opening from file explorer.

  • Next, select Excel and mark Always use this app to open xlsx files.
  • Finally, just press OK.

Choose the Correct Application to fix the problem when Excel files are not opening from file explorer.

Now see, the Excel file opened properly.


2. Reset Default Apps

There is a setting- Reset Default Apps in Windows settings by using it we can reset all the default apps. So if someone set an improper app for an app then this setting will reset it and set the by default related app. Let’s see how to reset.

Steps:

  • Open Control Panel on your PC.
  • Later, click on Programs.

Reset Default Apps to fix the problem when Excel files are not opening from file explorer.

  • After that, click Default Programs.

Reset Default Apps to fix the problem when Excel files are not opening from file explorer.

  • Next, click Set your default programs.

Reset Default Apps to fix the problem when Excel files are not opening from file explorer.

  • Finally, just scroll down and press Reset from the Reset all default apps section.

  • Now double-click on the file to open.

And see, it opened properly.

Read More: [Solved] Excel Files Not Opening in Separate Windows


3. Unmark Ignore DDE Option

Because of enabling the Ignore other options that use Dynamic Data Exchange(DDE) your Excel file may not open. I’ll show you here, how to disable it.

Steps:

  • Click on File Tab.

Unmark Ignore DDE Option to fix the problem when Excel files are not opening from file explorer.

  • After appearing the File menu, click More > Options.

Soon after, a dialog box named Excel Options will open up.

Unmark Ignore DDE Option to fix the problem when Excel files are not opening from file explorer.

  • Press the Advanced menu.
  • Then scroll down and unmark Ignore other options that use Dynamic Data Exchange option from the General section.
  • Press OK to finish.

Then I hope your Excel file will open from file explorer like the image below.

Read More: [Fixed!] Why Is My Excel Not Opening Files?


4. Disable Add-Ins

We can use third-party/ Excel’s built-in Add-Ins in Excel to perform extra operations. But for that sometimes your Excel file may not open. So you should remove the add-ins if you fail to open your Excel file.

Steps:

Disable Add-Ins to fix the problem when Excel files are not opening from file explorer.

  • Next, press GO and the COM Add-ins dialog box will open up.

Disable Add-Ins to fix the problem when Excel files are not opening from file explorer.

  • Unmark all the appeared Add-ins and press OK.

Now you see, the file opened with the file explorer.


5. Turn Off Hardware Graphics Acceleration

In some cases, the Excel file can’t open for keeping marked the Disable Hardware Graphics Acceleration. So you can try to open the file after unmarking it.

Steps:

Turn Off Hardware Graphics Acceleration to fix the problem when Excel files are not opening from file explorer.

Hope your Excel file will open then.


6. Repair Your Microsoft Office

You can repair your Microsoft Office if the above methods failed. Sometime after repairing Office works well.

Steps:

  • First, click the Windows icon then click the Settings icon.

Repair Your Microsoft Office to fix the problem when Excel files are not opening from file explorer.

  • Later, click on Apps.

Repair Your Microsoft Office to fix the problem when Excel files are not opening from file explorer.

  • At this moment, scroll down and click Microsoft 365 > Modify.

  • Now mark any option and press Repair.

Quick Repair doesn’t need an internet connection but can’t solve all the issues, Online Repair needs an internet connection and can solve all issues.

My Excel file is opening properly after repairing.

Read More: [Fixed!] Unable to Open Excel Files Directly by Clicking on the File Icon


7. Contact Microsoft Support

The above methods are all possible ways that we can do by ourselves. But if those methods can’t solve your problems then the last option is- you can contact Microsoft Support. There are many Excel experts there who can give you solutions for your particular problems.


Download Practice Workbook

You can download the free Excel template from here and practice on your own.


Conclusion

I hope the procedures described above will be good enough to fix the problem when Excel files are not opening from file explorer. Feel free to ask any question in the comment section and please give me feedback.


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Md. Sourov Hossain Mithun
Md. Sourov Hossain Mithun

Hello! I am Md. Sourov Hossain Mithun. Currently, I am working at Exceldemy as an Excel and VBA Content Developer. Excel is an amazing software to learn or work. Here, I will post Excel related useful articles. I am a graduate of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. I love to learn new things and work with them. Thank you.

2 Comments
  1. Tx your solution solved my issue

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