A family of Microsoft spreadsheet software with tools for analyzing, charting, and communicating data.
This error usually means Excel is installed but not responding, or the Office file association/integration is damaged. Since the PC is also having broader problems on Windows 11 Pro with Office 2019, use this order:
- Update Office first
- Open any Office app.
- Go to File > Account.
- Under Product Information, select Update Options > Update Now.
- Test Excel in Safe Mode
- Press Windows + R.
- Type
excel /safeand press Enter. - If Excel opens in Safe Mode, the issue is likely caused by an add-in.
- Then go to File > Options > Add-Ins.
- In Manage, select Excel Add-ins or COM Add-ins, then select Go.
- Clear add-ins one at a time, restart Excel normally, and test again.
- Older add-ins called out as known problem sources include Abbyy FineReader, PowerWord, and Dragon Naturally Speaking.
- Repair Office
For Office 2019 on Windows 11:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps.
- Find the Office program.
- Select it, then choose Modify.
- Select Online Repair, then Repair.
- Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features
- Select the Office product
- Choose Change
- Run Quick Repair
- Update Windows
- Select Start.
- Type Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- Install available updates.
- If Office still shows as busy, unresponsive, or cannot be repaired normally
- Restart the PC and try again.
- If needed, use the Microsoft uninstall troubleshooter to completely remove Office, then reinstall it.
- If the whole PC is unstable after updates
- Check for updated video card, printer, mouse, and keyboard drivers from the device manufacturer.
- On some laptops, outdated DisplayLink drivers can also cause Office startup problems.
If Excel opens in Safe Mode but fails normally, focus on add-ins. If Excel does not open even in Safe Mode, the better next step is Online Repair or reinstalling Office.
- I get a "stopped working" error when I start Office applications on my PC
- Troubleshoot opening a blank screen when you double-click a file icon or file name in Excel
- Double-clicking an Office file fails to open it in the correct Office program
- "Unable to start Office" or ”Office is busy” error message