How to fix Excel 2016 problem to open .xls extension

Filicio_David 0 Reputation points
2026-10-06T20:22:54.1033333+00:00

After installing the KB5002914 update, my Excel 2016 stopped opening files with the .xls extension. The files are always detected as corrupted. This issue occurs on Build 16.5569.1006; however, when I try to open the same files on earlier builds such as 16.5555.1000, they open normally.

What can I do as a workaround?

I have already tried adjusting the Trust Center settings, enabling Compatibility Mode, and using other built-in Office recovery and compatibility features, but none of them resolved the issue. Could you please suggest any alternative workaround or temporary solution until the problem is fixed?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | Other | Windows
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  1. Xavier-D 13,750 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-10-07T05:27:10.8+00:00

    Hello Filicio_David,

    I can see that you are having issue with your Excel 2016

    From your description, the files themselves are probably not corrupted because they still open correctly on the earlier Excel build. The timing suggests that the issue may be related to KB5002914 or the newer Excel build.

    Please first install the latest available Excel 2016 updates, including KB5002665, and restart the computer. Microsoft released KB5002665 after KB5002914, although its documented fix concerns paste operations rather than opening .xls files.

    If the issue continues, you can temporarily uninstall KB5002914 or return to the previously working Office build as a diagnostic workaround. Please be aware that KB5002914 is a security update, so leaving it removed is not recommended as a permanent solution.

    While using the working build, consider opening the affected files and saving copies in .xlsx format, if they do not depend on legacy .xls features.

    Also note that Office 2016 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. For continued fixes and security support, upgrading to a supported Office version is recommended.

    Feel free reply back to this post if you need further assistance, I'll be happy to help.

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  2. Leonardo Asquini 0 Reputation points
    2026-10-06T22:45:05.0133333+00:00

    What happens if you right-click an Excel file, select "Open with," and choose Excel?

    If the "Open with" option doesn't appear, click on the file (so it is highlighted in blue), hold down the Ctrl key, and then right-click it.

    In that case, if it lets you select Excel, you can choose to always use it for this type of file.

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