5 Feasible Ways | Fix Excel Opens and Closes Immediately

Microsoft Excel opens and closes immediately? Worry not, in this guide, we will tell you 5 ways to fix this problem and help you recover Excel files easily.

Penny

By Penny / Updated on July 11, 2024

Share this: instagram reddit

Have you ever launched Microsoft Excel only to witness it open and close immediately, leaving you bewildered? The phenomenon of "Excel Opens and Closes Immediately" is a perplexing issue that has left many users scratching their heads.

To effectively address this enigma, let's delve into the background of why Excel exhibits this peculiar behavior. We shows 5 feasible ways to fix this problem and you can also recover Excel files easily.

Excel File

5 Fixes: Excel Opens and Closes Immediately

Addressing the challenge of Excel opening and closing immediately requires a systematic approach. Here are 5 effective troubleshooting ways to resolve the issue:

Fix 1: Start Excel in Safe Mode

Starting Excel in Safe Mode can help identify if the problem is caused by add-ins or other startup items. Safe Mode runs Excel without these extras, allowing you to see if the program functions correctly on its own.

Steps to Start Excel in Safe Mode

  1. Press and Hold the Ctrl Key: While holding the Ctrl key, click on your Excel shortcut.

  2. Confirm Safe Mode: A prompt will appear asking if you want to start Excel in Safe Mode. Click 'Yes.'

If Excel opens successfully in Safe Mode, the issue likely lies with an add-in or startup item.

Fix 2: Disable Excel Add-ins

Add-ins can sometimes cause Excel to malfunction. Disabling them can resolve the issue.

Steps to Disable Add-ins

  1. Open Excel in Safe Mode: Follow the steps above to open Excel in Safe Mode.

  2. Go to Options: Click 'File' > 'Options.'

  3. Manage Add-ins: Select 'Add-ins' and click 'Go' next to the Manage box.

  4. Disable Add-ins: Uncheck all the add-ins and click 'OK.'

Restart Excel normally and see if the problem persists. If it doesn't, re-enable each add-in one by one to identify the culprit.

Fix 3: Repair Microsoft Office

Sometimes, repairing your Office installation can fix issues with Excel.

Steps to Repair Microsoft Office

  1. Open Control Panel: Go to 'Control Panel' > 'Programs' > 'Programs and Features.'

  2. Select Microsoft Office: Find 'Microsoft Office' in the list and click 'Change.'

  3. Choose Repair Option: Select 'Quick Repair' and follow the prompts. If that doesn't work, try 'Online Repair.'

This process can fix corrupted files or settings that might be causing Excel to crash.

Fix 4: Update or Reinstall Excel

Keeping your software up-to-date is essential for smooth operation. Outdated Excel versions can have bugs that cause issues.

Steps to Update or Reinstall Excel

  1. Check for Updates: Go to 'File' > 'Account' > 'Update Options' and click 'Update Now.'

  2. Reinstall Excel: If updating doesn't work, uninstall Excel through the Control Panel and then reinstall it.

This ensures you have the latest features and fixes from Microsoft.

Fix 5: Scan for Malware and Viruses

Malware and viruses can interfere with Excel and cause it to malfunction. Regularly scanning your computer can prevent and fix these issues.

Steps to Scan for Malware and Viruses

  1. Use Antivirus Software: Run a full system scan using your preferred antivirus software.

  2. Remove Threats: Follow the prompts to remove any detected threats.

How to Recover Excel Files After Immediately Closing

The most direct consequence of Excel closing immediately after opening is data loss. Have you lost your workbook file because Excel closed automatically? How to recover unsaved Excel files in Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7? Don't worry, MyRecover, a powerful data recovery software, can help you recover Excel files. It is easy to use and powerful, capable of scanning various physical storage devices and finding lost data in more than 200 file types.

MyRecover
Professional Office File Recovery Software
  • Has a high recovery rate and fast speed. With its advanced scanning algorithms, you are able to find all the deleted or lost datain several minutes.
  • Compatible with200+ file formats, not only Excel, but also Word, PPT, JPG, PNG, MP3, SVG, MP4, WMV, 3FR, X3F, ZIP, etc.
  • Filter deleted or lost Excel files in Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, etc.quickly and preview them before recovery.
  • Keep the recovered Excel files with their original filename, format, quality, and path.

 

Download this powerful file recovery software to recover Excel files effectively.  The free version allows you recover files, up to 500MB. To recover unlimited files, please upgrade to the Professional or Technician edition.

Simple Steps for Excel File Recovery with MyRecover:

Step 1. After running the tool, hover over the partition/disk that includes your desired Excel files before overwriting. Then click Scan.

 Select Disk

Step 2. During scanning, you can enter filenames in the search bar to find your Excel files. Also, the filter feature allows you to select file type (e.g.: documents), date modified, and size. You can also combine the search feature to narrow it down.

 Filter and Preview Excel Files

Step 3. Select the Excel files you want to recover and click “Recover x files”. Then, select a new location to store them. 

 Recover Excel File

Why Does My Excel Closes Automatically

The abrupt closure of Excel immediately after launch can be attributed to several factors, each contributing to the perplexing dilemma.

One common culprit of excel opens and closes immediately is incompatible add-ins or third-party extensions that interfere with Excel's normal functioning. Corrupted Excel files, insufficient system resources, or conflicts with other software can also play a role in this frustrating behavior.

1. Incompatible Add-Ins: Excel relies on various add-ins and extensions to enhance functionality. However, incompatible or outdated add-ins can disrupt the application's stability, leading to immediate closures.

2. Corrupted Excel Files: Files essential to Excel's operation may become corrupted, triggering unexpected behavior. Corrupted files can result from improper shutdowns, sudden power outages, or other unforeseen events.

3. System Resource Issues: Insufficient system resources, such as low RAM or disk space, can impact Excel's ability to function properly. This can manifest in immediate closures upon opening the application. This may also cause the problem of excel file keeps closing automatically.

4. Conflicting Software: Other software running on the system may conflict with Excel, causing it to close immediately. Identifying and resolving conflicts is crucial for a harmonious coexistence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating through the quirks of Excel, especially when it opens and closes immediately, requires a combination of understanding, troubleshooting, and data recovery skills. MyRecover is a valuable ally in recovering Excel files, and can also recover overwritten Excel files effectively. Download it for free and enjoy it!

Download Software Windows 11/10/8/7/Server
Secure Download

FAQs on Excel Opens and Closes Immediately

1. Why does my Excel keep closing when I open it?

Excel can crash due to conflicts with add-ins or other software. To identify the problem, check for corrupted files. Try opening different Excel files on the affected computer. If only one specific file causes Excel to crash, that file may be corrupted.

2. How to resolve Excel hanging issue?

Disable Hardware Graphics Acceleration: Disabling hardware graphics acceleration can sometimes resolve performance issues. Here’s how:

  • Open Excel and go to the "File" menu.
  • Select "Options."
  • Navigate to the "Advanced" section.
  • Under the "Display" heading, check the box for "Disable hardware graphics acceleration."

3. How do I fix Excel not opening directly?

If Excel does not open when double-clicking a file, try this:

  • Open Excel from the Windows Start menu.
  • Go to "File" > "Options."
  • Select "Advanced" > "General."
  • Ensure that "Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)" is not checked.

4. How do I clear the Excel cache?

Clearing the Excel cache can sometimes fix issues. Here’s how: Close Excel. Go to the "%temp%" folder on your computer. Delete all files in this folder.

Penny
Penny · Editor
Penny works as an editor at AOMEI Technology, while she's a tester and editor for AOMEI Data Recovery Tools. She enjoys helping users with data recovery issues on Windows and iPhones using simple and practical solutions. Outside of work, she has a strong affection for pets, particularly giant pandas.