Help me create a Excel spreadsheet

Start Excel in Safe Mode and test File > New > Blank workbook there; if it works, disable the conflicting Excel or COM add-in.

1. Test Excel in Safe Mode

Because Ctrl+N and File > New already do nothing in normal mode, use Safe Mode to bypass Excel add-ins, startup files, and customized settings.

1. Save changes in every open workbook, then close all Excel windows.
2. Press Windows key + R.
3. Enter:

      excel /safe
   

4. Select OK.
5. Confirm the title bar says Microsoft Excel (Safe Mode).
6. Select File > New > Blank workbook.

Safe Mode bypasses Excel add-ins, most COM add-ins, startup folders, and certain customizations that can interfere with Excel commands.^1^

2. If a blank workbook opens in Safe Mode

An add-in or startup customization is interfering with Excel. Disable add-ins and identify which one causes the problem:

1. In Excel, select File > Options > Add-ins.
2. At the bottom, set Manage to COM Add-ins, then select Go.
3. Clear all checked add-ins and select OK.
4. Close Excel and reopen it normally.
5. Test File > New > Blank workbook.
6. If it now works, re-enable add-ins one at a time, restarting Excel and testing after each one. Leave the add-in that reproduces the problem disabled, or obtain an updated version.
7. Repeat the process with Manage > Excel Add-ins if necessary.

Microsoft specifically recommends disabling add-ins individually after a successful Safe Mode test.^2^

3. If it still fails in Safe Mode

Repair Microsoft 365:

• Windows 11: Right-click Start > Installed apps.
• Windows 10: Right-click Start > Apps and Features.
• Find Microsoft 365 or Office, select the three dots if shown, and choose Modify.
• Run Quick Repair first.
• Restart Excel and test creating a blank workbook.
• If it still fails, return to the same location and run Online Repair. This is more comprehensive and may require an internet connection and subsequent sign-in.

Repair applies to the entire Office suite, even when only Excel is affected.^3^

Avoid deleting Excel registry keys manually at this stage; incorrect registry changes can cause additional problems.

References

1. Excel not responding, hangs, freezes or stops working | Microsoft Support
2. I get a "stopped working" error when I start Office applications on my PC | Microsoft Support
3. Repair an Office application | Microsoft Support