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

It is not a super surprise that we are unable to open Excel Files directly by clicking on the File icon. This issue can be solved in almost 7 possible ways. Let’s try to explain the solutions.

Download Workbook

7 Solutions to the Issues: Unable to Open Excel Files Directly by Clicking on the File Icon

1. Turn Off Excel Add-ins

Turning off the Add-ins is a possible solution to solve the problem of being unable to open Excel files directly by clicking on the File icon.

Steps:

• Firstly, go to the File

• From there, select Options.

• Click on Add-ins.
• Then, you can choose either Excel Add-ins or COM Add-ins. I chose Excel Add-ins
• Next, press on Go.

• Now, uncheck one Add-in at a time and press OK.

Now, double click to restart the Excel file toCheck whether it opens or not. If the issue of not opening still remains, follow the above steps again to remove the other add-ins.

Read More: Excel Not Responding When Opening File (8 Handy Solutions)

2. Uncheck Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) Option

The Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) paves a way to share data and interact with one another for Windows programs. Uncheck the Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) is another way to solve the problem.

Steps:

• Select the File tab.

• Next, select the Options.

• Next, choose Advanced.
• Now, uncheck the box named Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE).

You can now verify if the problem is solved or not.

3. Repair Microsoft Office

We could also solve this problem by repairing Microsoft Office.

Steps:

• Go to the Search option from the Taskbar.
• Then, search Control Panel and Click on it.

• Select Programs and Features from the All Control Panel Items box.

• Next, select Microsoft 365.
• Then, click on the Change button.
• Finally, select Online Repair and then again select the Repair option.

Similar Readings

• [Fixed!] Excel Attachments Not Opening from Outlook (6 Quick Solutions)
• [Fixed!] Excel Not Responding When Deleting Rows (4 Possible Solutions)
• How to Fix Excel Not Responding Without Closing (16 Possible Solutions)

4. Use Advanced Feature to Disable Hardware Graphics Acceleration

We could also try out by checking the Disable hardware graphics acceleration box.

Steps:

• Pick the File tab.

• Then, click on Options.

• From the Excel Options window, select the Advanced tab.
• Now, check the Disable hardware graphics acceleration option under the Display
• Finally, click OK to finish the process.

5. Application of Safe Mode

The Safe Mode application is another possible solution to solve the problem of being unable to open Excel files directly by clicking on the File icon.

Steps:

• First of all, go to the Search option from the Taskbar.
• Then, search Run and Click on it.

• Write excel/safe in the Open section and press OK.

This is quite an easy process to solve the problem.

Read More: [Fixed!] Excel File Not Opening on Double Click (8 Possible Solutions)

6. Set Excel as Default Apps to Open an Excel File

We can assign MS Excel as the default application to open those Excel files directly by clicking on the file icon.

Steps:

• Go to Search from the Taskbar.
• Then, search Default app settings and click on it.

• Now, click on Choose default apps by file type

• Choose Excel for the desired File extensions.

Read More: [Fixed!] Excel File Opens Blank Grey Screen (7 Working Solutions)

7. Reset Windows Registry to Factory Default of Excel

By resetting Windows Registry to Factory Default you can open Excel files directly by clicking on the file icon.

Steps:

• Click on the Search option from the Taskbar.
• Then, search Run and Click on it.

• Input excel/regserver in the Open
• Finally, press OK.

Now, we will be able to open Excel files directly by clicking on the file icon.

Read More: [Fix:] Excel File Opens but Does Not Display

Conclusion

I have tried to explain seven possible solutions to the problem of being unable to open excel files directly by clicking on the file icons. I hope it will be helpful for Excel users. For any more questions, comment below.

Related Articles

• [Fixed!] Excel File Not Opening on Double Click (8 Possible Solutions)
• [Fixed!] Excel Freezes When Copying and Pasting (13 Possible Solutions)
• How to Open Excel in Safe Mode (3 Handy Methods)
• [Fix:] Excel Formula Not Working Returns 0
• [Fixed!] Why Is My Excel Formula Not Updating Automatically (8 Solutions)
• Fix Excel Not Responding and Save Your Work