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?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | Windows

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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

Was this answer helpful?

100+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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

Was this answer helpful?

90+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

470 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2016-07-09T15:40:42+00:00

    Freya - RE "This released fix should solve any issues " How do I get the fix ?

    Thanks

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2016-07-09T15:52:43+00:00

    Actually what she meant to say was:

    Press the search icon in the start bar (hopefully you haven't removed it)

    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

    However, I tried it and it didn't work, so my latest PC with Windows10 and Office 2016  PC is still very difficult to use. No "sitting back and enjoying Excel opening your workbook files!" for ME !!

    This is a pretty serious usability bug. I would have thought MS might put this top of their "To Do" list

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2016-07-09T18:21:53+00:00

    I worked my way through dozens of entries, finally jumped to the end (page 14) and see that there is still no solution.  I have Windows 10/Office 365 Pro on my desktop, laptop, and Surface.  Surface works just like you would expect, but I don't use that for development.  On the desktop, I can't get to an Excel file from the File Manager, but I can get to them from Excel's memory list.  The only way I can get to one that isn't on the list is to (1) create a new Excel file imposter with the name of the file I want to open (FileName.xlsx), put one number in a field, and save it.  Then I do a copy/paste of the real FileName.xlsx to replace the imposter, and tell mr. filemanager that yes, I really do want to replace it.  Then Excel has a recent record of having talked with FileName.xlsx and when it is asked to open it, lo and behold it opens the old one in the new place.  Then I have to do a "Save As" to put it where I really want it.

    If this sounds like an idiotic approach, it is.  It seems to me that a problem this fundamental could/would have been fixed LONG AGO.  (I reinstalled Office 365 Pro yesterday, and that is no better.)

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments