XLSX File Extension

What is XLSX file?

Files with the .XLSX extension contain spreadsheets compressed in ZIP format, stored in an open format based on XML – Office Open XML. It was introduced into Microsoft Office suite since its 2007 version, in order to provide higher format portability. Previous versions of MX Excel provide support for the XLSX files only after installing a proper plugin.

An XLSX spreadsheet may comprise of:

• Data stored in form of tables,
• Charts,
• Formulas and functions.

The XLSX is a native format for MS Excel 2007 and newer versions. It is supported also in other spreadsheet programs of various office suites. It does not support macros, in order to provide macros support, the format must be changed, for instance into XLSM, dedicated for spreadsheets enabling macro function support.

Support for XLSX files

Besides the standard spreadsheet programs supporting XLSX files, you can also use applications available online. The main example is Google Spreadsheets. It is an application which easily enables to browse, edit and create files in XLSX format, and what is important – using it is completely free. Microsoft provides also free internet version of its spreadsheet – Microsoft Excel Online.

Programs which support XLSX file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with XLSX files, divided into 5 categories based on operating system on which they are available. XLSX files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 07/13/2023

How to open file with XLSX extension?

Being unable to open files with XLSX extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with XLSX files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with XLSX files.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Excel software

Problems with opening and working with XLSX files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with XLSX files being present on your machine. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Microsoft Excel or different compatible program, such as Microsoft Works, WordPerfect Office, OxygenOffice Professional. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support XLSX files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download Microsoft Excel installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Microsoft Corporation website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft Excel

If the problems with opening XLSX files still occur even after installing Microsoft Excel, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Excel is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that Microsoft Excel cannot handle files with XLSX may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of Microsoft Excel should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open XLSX files to Microsoft Excel

After installing Microsoft Excel (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open XLSX files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the XLSX file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Excel is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open XLSX files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected XLSX file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Microsoft Excel and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with XLSX extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the XLSX for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the XLSX file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the XLSX in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the XLSX is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the XLSX file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the XLSX file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the XLSX file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with XLSX extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Microsoft Excel

If the systems has insufficient resources to open XLSX files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Microsoft Excel Open XML Spreadsheet files. It may be the case that the XLSX files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

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