Excel Error

Start Excel in Safe Mode first; if it opens there, disable the conflicting add-in, but if it still closes, repair the Microsoft 365 or Office installation.

The message does not identify one definite cause. Common possibilities for this startup failure include an incompatible add-in or damaged Office installation files.

1. Test Excel in Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Excel without most add-ins, startup files, and custom settings.

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Enter the following command, including the space:

excel /safe

3. Select OK.
4. Check whether the title bar says Microsoft Excel (Safe Mode).

Microsoft recommends this test to separate add-in and startup conflicts from other Excel problems.^1^

If Excel opens in Safe Mode

Disable its add-ins:

1. Go to File → Options → Add-ins.
2. At the bottom, select COM Add-ins under Manage, and then select Go.
3. Clear all check boxes and select OK.
4. Close Excel and open it normally.
5. If Excel now works, enable the add-ins one at a time, restarting Excel after each one. The error returning identifies the problematic add-in.
6. Repeat the test with Excel Add-ins in the Manage list if necessary.^1^

Leave the affected add-in disabled, remove it, or obtain an updated version from its publisher.

2. If Excel does not open in Safe Mode, repair Office

This repair applies to the whole Office suite, even when only Excel is failing.

Windows 11

1. Right-click Start → Installed apps.
2. Find Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office.
3. Select the three dots → Modify.
4. Select Quick Repair → Repair.
5. When it finishes, try Excel again.
6. If the error remains, return to the same screen and select Online Repair → Repair.

Windows 10

1. Right-click Start → Apps and Features.
2. Select Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office → Modify.
3. Run Quick Repair first.
4. If Excel still fails, run Online Repair.

Online Repair is the more complete option; follow the on-screen instructions and restart Windows afterward if requested.^2^

3. If the problem continues

Install available Windows updates:

• Windows 11: Start → Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
• Windows 10: Start → Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update

Microsoft notes that incompatible or outdated device drivers can also prevent Office applications from starting.^3^

If Excel still cannot open after Online Repair and Windows updates, the next supported path is to uninstall and reinstall Microsoft 365 or Office.^3^

References

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