Hafiz Islam
An Excel file might have had some issues opening sometimes. A new add-in might cause this issue, or it might happen for some other reason that you are not able to fix. Safe mode is currently the only way to open your Excel file. In this article, I will show you how to run Excel in safe mode by applying 4 handy ways.
What Is Safe Mode in Excel?
Essentially, Excel’s safe mode is a troubleshooting mode. If you are unable to resolve any issues, you can troubleshoot them in this mode. Aside from that, you can open files that crashed when opened normally through this mode. When opening Excel in safe mode, keep in mind that there are some restrictions. Some Excel features may not be available to you. Safe mode may not work with Excel files that are protected.
4 Handy Ways to Run Excel in Safe Mode
You can open Excel in safe mode by following one of the methods below.
1. Run Excel Using CTRL Modifier Key
The CTRL modifier key in Windows allows you to open Excel files in safe mode. Follow the steps below to use this feature.
📌 Steps:
- The first step is to click on your Excel file or the Excel icon. Press ENTER while holding CTRL. Keep in mind that you cannot release the CTRL key. The confirmation dialogue box will appear after you hold it. Microsoft Excel will pop up a dialog box. Click on the Yes button.
You will be able to open your Excel file in safe mode as a result. The top toolbar shows Safe Mode written next to your workbook name.
2. Use a Command-Line
A certain command in the command line will open Excel in safe mode. Just follow the steps below to apply this method.
📌 Steps:
- The first thing you need to do is click on the Search bar in the Windows toolbar. Then, write run in the search box and after that, in the Best match group, click on Run.
- A Run window will open as a result. Run can also be opened by pressing Windows+R. In the Open text box, type excel /safe. Then click OK.
Note:
After the word “excel”, there is a space. After the space, use the slash(/). Keep this in mind at all times. Leaving out the space will result in an error.
As a result, you will be able to open your file in safe mode. The top toolbar will display Safe Mode in the name of your workbook.
3. Create a Shortcut to Run Excel Always in Safe Mode
To launch Excel in safe mode, you can create a shortcut. Just follow the steps below to use this technique.
📌 Steps:
- Creating an Excel shortcut is the first step.
- Once you have located the shortcut for Excel, right-click it. In the context menu, click Properties.
- A new window will appear called Properties. From the window, click the Shortcut tab. You should now add “/safe” to the Target text box’s text. Press the Ok button.
The Excel file will always open in safe mode when you click on this shortcut and open it from there.
4. Run Excel as Administrator from Windows Start Menu
You can also run Excel in safe mode using ‘Run as Administrator option. Just follow the steps below.
📌 Steps:
- You can find Excel by searching the Windows Start Menu for “excel” (without the quotes).
- Select Run as administrator from the right-click menu when Excel appears in the search results.
- You will be prompted with a dialog box asking if you want to select “Yes” or “No”. Click on the “Yes”. It will open your Excel file in safe mode.
Conclusion
In this tutorial, I have discussed 4 handy ways to run Excel in safe mode. I hope you found this article helpful. You can visit our website ExcelDemy to learn more Excel-related content. Please, drop comments, suggestions, or queries if you have any in the comment section below.
