Need to open .xls files with Excel 2016/Win10, default is now Adobe

Anonymous
2015-10-06T15:57:22+00:00
Please check out Office<br> documents don't open in the correct application <br>for the latest information on this topic.

Just installed Win10 and upgraded to Excel 2016. Find I can't open .xls files as default app to open them is now ...Adobe. Excel is not an available option in setting default apps to open .xls files. I got sent to the Store and the app I selected can be set as the default, but when I saved file as .xlsx, Excel balks about opening it. Somehow this doesn't make sense that Excel is not the default for .xls files. Any help here?

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Anonymous
2015-10-06T20:05:58+00:00

Hi Darrell - Windows 10 puts you in control of which of your apps act as the default for file types, so we don't automatically take over the association (I guess you could imagine how much we'd upset a confirmed OpenOffice user if we did :-))

Easiest way to fix this:

Press the Windows key/select the Windows Icon in the start bar

Type "Default" - and search should then suggest: "Default Programs", select it

Wait for the applet to start and then select the "Set your default programs" choice

Find Excel 2016 in the list, select it, and then select "->Set this program as default"

Then sit back and enjoy Excel opening your workbook files!

Apologies for the somewhat long set of instructions, I feel we should award some kind of "dedication above and beyond the expected calls of duty" :-)

Hope this helps...pc

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Anonymous
2017-04-11T20:45:08+00:00

Hello! We've created a "Fix It" tool that may further assist if you're continuing to experiencing problems with file associations. You can learn more and access the tool here: Double-clicking an Office file fails to open it

Freya

Office Newsroom

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-05-24T03:46:09+00:00

    I have tried the instructions above way too many times to mention. It doesn't go me the option to choose a program from this computer, instead asks me if i want to go to Microsoft Store do an app. And none of the 'Excel' compatible apps actually work. I am trying to complete my classwork, we are using a QuickBooks Accounting 2015 download. And one of the first things I am supposed to do is export a report as an .xls Excel Worksheet. But because my .xls has no default program it only gives mea .csv option. ANY SUGGESTIONS? QuickBooks and Intuit were absolutely no help

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-05-23T08:43:11+00:00

    Does not work!!

    open start menu and type "Default"

    up pops "Default app settings" !! no mention of Default programs

    proceeding further you find that for xls files, you cant select Excel.exe as it is not a listed App.

    Completely useless.

    So all my xls files show the Adobe icon and if you click on the file to open it, Adobe opens with the message that it cant open the file - surprise surprise . . 

    Freya's fixit tool does not work

    Looking above, this issue first arose in 2015 - I am paying money for these programs as is everyone else and its shocking that nothing is done to resolve the issue. Microsoft treats us like fools.

    John

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-05-19T00:55:26+00:00

    Running Windows 10 Pro with Office 365 installed and kept my original Office 2007 installation.

    I've tried everything to get Excel 2016 to open xls files, including this:

    1. Click on Start menu.
    2. Go to Settings.
    3. Select System.
    4. Go to Default apps.
    5. Click on Choose default apps by file type.
    6. Select Excel (.xls).
    7. Choose an app that you want to use in opening Excel files.

    Nothing works. Every time I click to open an xls file Excel 2007 opens. Even if I right click, choose Open With, select Excel 2016, remember for next time, Excel 2007 opens.

    Every file association in Windows settings and Control Panel default programs is set to Excel 2016. Doesn't make the slightest bit of difference. Excel 2007 opens every time.

    As others have mentioned, the layers of Windows 10 settings over the top of perfectly functional Control Panel functions is awful, frustrating, over-complicated and most likely the root of these persistent and farcical anomalies.

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