5 Ways to Fix Microsoft Excel Not Opening on Mac

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Basic Fixes

Fix 1: Create a New User Account

You can try to solve this problem by creating a new user account on your Mac and launching the Excel app.

Step 1:OpenSettingsand go toUsers and Groupsfrom the left menu.

Step 2:Click onAdd Userand proceed by entering yourMac password.

Step 3:Fill in the details and click onCreate User.

Step 4:Once the profile is created, click theInfo iconnext to the new profile name.

Step 5:Enable the toggle forAllow guests to log in to this computerand clickOk.

Step 6:Restart your Mac,log in with your new user profile, and launch Excel on your Mac.

Fix 2: Ensure Excel Is Not Blocked in macOS Settings

Ensure that Microsoft Excel has full access to all relevantfiles on your Mac.

Go toSystem Settings > Privacy & Security >click thePlus iconat the bottom > addExceland clickOk >enable access forExcel.

Fix 3: Run Disk Utility

Disk Utility is an excellent option for checking storage errors on your Mac. Random app installations or moving large files can cause such errors and reduce your Mac’s performance. Follow these steps to fix any storage errors causing problems while opening Microsoft Excel.

Step 1:OpenDisk Utilityon Mac.

Step 2:In the Disk Utility window, click onFirst Aid.

Step 3:SelectRunto start First Aid.

Step 4:ClickContinueto confirm your choice.

Once Disk Utility runs and repairs your disk, try opening the Microsoft Excel app.

Fix 4: Boot Your Mac in Safe Mode

Booting your Mac in safe mode will help you check for third-party app interference while opening the Microsoft Excel app. Safe Mode will disable all third-party apps, and only system apps will run while booting your Mac.

For M1-Powered Mac

Step 1: Shut downyour Mac.

Step 2:After your Mac shuts down, press and hold thePower Buttonto see two startup options –Macintosh HD and Options.

Step 3:SelectMacintosh HD. Hold theShift keyand click onContinue in Safe Mode.

Step 4:After your Mac boots in Safe Mode, launchMicrosoft Excel.

For Intel-Powered Mac

Step 1: Restartyour Mac.

Step 2:Press and hold theShift keythe moment your Mac restarts.

Step 3: Release the Shift keyonce you see the login window on your screen.

Fix 5: Remove Microsoft Excel Preference Files

Microsoft Excel creates a preference file with your customizations, likekeyboard shortcuts. You can fix Microsoft Excel not opening on Mac by temporarily relocating the preference file. This will reveal whether using the app without any customization will help.

Step 1:Launch theFinder app> click onGoin the Menu bar > chooseGo to Folder.

Step 2:Type~/Libraryin the search box and pressReturn.

Step 3:Select thefirst search resultand click on theContainers folder.

Step 4:After opening the folder, typecom.microsoft.Excel.plistin the search box at the top-right.

Step 5:Select the file and drag it towards theRecycle Bin.

Step 6:RelaunchMicrosoft Excel.

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Last updated on 02 July, 2024

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