excel is not working what is the main reason it is showing error to run excel

SYBAF/ 19 A/ Grishma Chauhan 0 Reputation points
2026-10-06T19:21:45.83+00:00

WhatsApp Image 2026-10-07 at 12.50.15 AM

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | Other | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-06T19:22:07.2+00:00

    The error usually appears because Excel cannot start correctly due to one of these common causes:

    • a faulty Excel or COM add-in
    • damaged Microsoft 365/Office installation files
    • outdated Office or Windows updates
    • antivirus software conflicting with Excel
    • a damaged workbook or a file created incorrectly by a third-party app
    • another background process, startup item, printer driver, or video driver interfering with Excel

    Use this order to find the main reason:

    1. Start Excel in Safe Mode
      • Press Windows + R
      • Type excel /safe
      • Press Enter
      • If Excel opens in Safe Mode, the most likely cause is an add-in.
    2. Disable add-ins if Safe Mode works
      • In Excel, go to File > Options > Add-ins
      • In Manage, select COM Add-ins or Excel Add-ins, then select Go
      • Clear the add-ins one at a time and restart Excel normally
      • If Excel starts after one add-in is disabled, that add-in is the cause
    3. Repair Microsoft 365/Office
      • If Excel still fails, repair Office from Windows using the Microsoft 365 repair option
      • This is recommended when Excel does not start normally or keeps showing the repair message
    4. Install the latest updates
      • Update both Microsoft 365 and Windows
      • Out-of-date files can cause startup and stability problems
    5. Check antivirus software
      • Make sure antivirus is fully updated
      • If it has Excel integration or an Excel add-in, it can cause performance or startup issues
      • Important: changing antivirus settings can reduce protection, so use caution
    6. Test whether the problem is only one file
      • Open a blank workbook
      • If blank workbooks open but one file fails, that workbook may be damaged
      • Files created by third-party software can also open incorrectly in Excel
    7. Check for environment conflicts
      • Excel can hang because of startup programs, background services, printer drivers, or video drivers
      • A selective startup can help identify a conflicting process or service

    If Excel does not open even in Safe Mode, the problem is more likely the Office installation or device drivers rather than add-ins.

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  2. Ramesh Srinivasan 88,625 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-06T19:56:32.39+00:00

    Please do an online repair of Office to resolve the issue.

    • Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps (or Apps & features, depending on Windows version).
    • Select the Microsoft 365 or Office product you want to repair and select Modify.
    • Select it and choose Modify.
    • When prompted, choose Online Repair (not Quick Repair), then start the repair.

    Reference: Repair an Office application | Microsoft Support

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