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
    2016-07-14T10:27:05+00:00

    I have the latest version of office 2016, only got it yesterday and now cannot open xls files. What is the fix?

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-07-15T16:49:04+00:00

    I also received the latest office 2016 version yesterday and excel spreadsheets do not open up. I have tried all the fixes mentioned in these threads. I ran the office update. Associated all excel extensions to excel 2016. The only way to open a file to use open and browse to the file. This does not help if you are trying to open attachments from a web email that has been downloaded. You have to save the file and go open in excel after excel has been opened.

    I had 2010 installed and had no problems. The only reason why I upgraded was because the onedrive cloud limitations and with office personal you get 1tb of cloud storage.

    Is there a solution to this excel issue. Word seems to be fine.

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-07-15T18:04:05+00:00

    The solution is to use Libre Office.

    I assume this is what they do at Microsoft since it is blatantly obvious nobody in Redmond ever used this steaming pile of **** before they put it up for sale.

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