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. 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. SPONSORED

  8. 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

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

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: 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

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. 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.

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