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
    2017-05-24T10:15:52+00:00

    Would not mind so much if it was a 3rd party program I was having the issue with but Excel is a Microsoft product !!

    I have a similar issue with MS Edge browser.  If you want to share a web page you click top right and it brings up links to email and social sites to share - guess what, MS Outlook is not listed.

    Its like the MS Office Project Team does not speak to the MS Windows Team - they are each in their separate boxes working away on the next piece of nonsense and they don't talk to each other !

    Pathetic.

    J

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-05-24T10:55:55+00:00

    Its like the MS Office Project Team does not speak to the MS Windows Team - they are each in their separate boxes working away on the next piece of nonsense and they don't talk to each other !

    That's probably an accurate assessment.  I'd go further... I can imagine how conversations within both teams are often about just how much they hate customers for their products.  If it wasn't for us, their world would be wonderful!

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-05-24T14:10:10+00:00

    .XLS files may not open with Excel if there is an issue with the app itself. It would be best if you could uninstall then reinstall the app and see if the issue still persists. You may uninstall the app by following the steps on this link. Instructions on how to reinstall it is also found at the bottom of this article.

    Keep us updated with the status of the issue and we'll be glad to assist you further.

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