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
    2016-02-18T14:58:43+00:00

    I have solved this problem.

    Default App in Setting does not solve this problem. Because Excel is not a App. It is a Program.

    Cortana->type Default program. -> there are two icons, you select the check mark icon. -> Associate a file type protocol with a program -> search ".xlxs" in the name -> Change program -> If you can see the icon of Excel, it is okay. But if you cannot find the icon, drag down and click "Look for another app on your PC" -> Now you select the Excel program in the PC, In this case, Excel 2016 program is locate in C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16

    I hope you guys helpful on this.

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-02-18T21:23:40+00:00

    Thanks, It works for me.

    BR

    Sten

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-02-23T11:20:48+00:00

    are in February 2016 and the issue is not fixed.

    Excel 2016 will not open xls files and it is not any option to make it the default app for xls.

    What is going on with with this issue??

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