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

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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.


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

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

Unable to Open Excel Files Directly by Clicking on the File Icon

  • 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.

Unable to Open Excel Files Directly by Clicking on the File Icon

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

Now, double click to restart the Excel file to Check 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: [Fixed!] Why Is My Excel Not Opening Files?


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.

Unable to Open Excel Files Directly by Clicking on the File Icon

  • Next, select the Options.

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

Unable to Open Excel Files Directly by Clicking on the File Icon

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

Read More: Excel Files Not Opening in Separate Windows


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.

Unable to Open Excel Files Directly by Clicking on the File Icon

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

Read More: [Fixed!] Excel Attachments Not Opening from Outlook


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.

Unable to Open Excel Files Directly by Clicking on the File Icon

  • 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.

 

Unable to Open Excel Files Directly by Clicking on the File Icon

Read More: Excel Files Not Opening from File Explorer


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.

Unable to Open Excel Files Directly by Clicking on the File Icon

This is quite an easy process to solve the problem.

Read More: [Fixed!] Excel File Not Opening on Double Click


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

Unable to Open Excel Files Directly by Clicking on the File Icon

  • Choose Excel for the desired File extensions.

Read More: Unable to Open Two Excel Files at the Same Time


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.

Unable to Open Excel Files Directly by Clicking on the File Icon

  • 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.


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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.


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Naimul Hasan Arif
Naimul Hasan Arif

Naimul Hasan Arif, a BUET graduate in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, has been contributing to the ExcelDemy project for nearly two years. Currently serving as an Excel and VBA Content Developer, Arif has written more than 120 articles and has also provided user support through comments His expertise lies in Microsoft Office Suite, VBA and he thrives on learning new aspects of data analysis. Arif's dedication to the ExcelDemy project is reflected in his consistent contributions and... Read Full Bio

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