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How to Fix Excel Files Opening in Notepad on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Sometimes, when you try to open an Excel file on Windows 11, it might open in Notepad instead of Microsoft Excel. This can be confusing and frustrating, especially if you need to work with your spreadsheet immediately.

This issue usually happens because of incorrect file associations or system settings. Fortunately, it is easy to fix with a few simple steps.

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of fixing Excel files opening in Notepad, step-by-step. No technical knowledge is required.

By following this guide, you will be able to open your Excel files correctly and get back to work quickly.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

  • Make sure Microsoft Excel is installed on your Windows 11 PC.
  • Check that your Excel files have the correct file extension, such as .xlsx or .xls.
  • It’s helpful to save and close all open files before making changes to file associations.
  • If you recently installed new software, it might have changed how Windows opens Excel files.

Step 1: Change the Default App for Excel Files

The most common reason Excel files open in Notepad is that Windows has assigned Notepad as the default program for these files. You can fix this by changing the default app back to Excel.

  1. Right-click on any Excel file (.xlsx or .xls).
  2. Select Open with from the context menu.
  3. Click on Choose another app.
  4. In the popup window, find and select Excel. If you don’t see Excel listed, click More apps and scroll down.
  5. Check the box that says Always use this app to open .xlsx files.
  6. Click OK.

This step tells Windows to always open Excel files with Microsoft Excel, preventing them from opening in Notepad or any other program.

Step 2: Use the Settings App to Fix File Associations

If the right-click method does not work, you can set the default app through Windows Settings.

  1. Click on the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to Apps and then click on Default apps.
  3. In the search box under Set defaults for applications, type Excel.
  4. Click on Microsoft Excel in the list.
  5. Look for the file types .xlsx and .xls and click each one.
  6. Select Microsoft Excel as the default app for these file types.

Using the Settings app helps ensure that all Excel files are linked correctly to Excel throughout your system.

Step 3: Reset File Associations for All Apps

If you suspect multiple file types have wrong associations, you can reset all file associations to their defaults.

  1. Open Settings and go to Apps > Default apps.
  2. Scroll down and click on Reset under Reset to the Microsoft recommended defaults.
  3. Confirm the action when prompted.

This will reset all file types to their original default apps, including Excel files, which should fix the Notepad issue.

Step 4: Repair Microsoft Office

If Excel files still open in Notepad after fixing file associations, the problem might be with the Microsoft Office installation.

  1. Open Settings and go to Apps > Installed apps or Apps > Apps & features.
  2. Find Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 in the list.
  3. Click on it and choose Modify.
  4. Select Quick Repair first, then follow on-screen instructions.
  5. If that doesn’t work, repeat and choose Online Repair (this takes longer and requires internet).

Repairing Office can fix corrupted program files and restore proper Excel functionality.

Alternative Method: Use Command Prompt to Rebuild Icon Cache

Sometimes, Windows’ icon cache causes file icons and associations to display incorrectly. Rebuilding it might help.

  1. Type cmd in the Start menu search bar.
  2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
taskkill /IM explorer.exe /F
DEL /A /Q "%localappdata%IconCache.db"
shutdown /r /f /t 00

This will stop File Explorer, delete the icon cache, and restart your computer. After reboot, try opening your Excel file again.

FAQs

Why are my Excel files opening in Notepad?

This usually happens because the file association for Excel files has been changed to Notepad, either by accident or due to software conflicts.

Can I fix this without reinstalling Excel?

Yes, most times correcting the file association or repairing Office will fix the issue without needing to reinstall.

What if Excel is not listed in the “Open with” options?

You can manually browse to the Excel executable, usually located at C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficerootOffice16EXCEL.EXE, and select it.

Will resetting default apps affect other programs?

Yes, resetting will change all default apps to Microsoft recommended settings, but you can customize them again afterward.

Is this problem common after Windows updates?

Sometimes, Windows updates can change file associations or cause minor glitches that lead to this issue.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps fix the problem, you can try these last resort options:

  • Uninstall and reinstall Microsoft Office: This ensures a clean installation but takes more time.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit Microsoft Support for professional help.
  • Use System Restore: Restore your PC to a point before the problem started if you have restore points enabled.

Conclusion

Excel files opening in Notepad on Windows 11 is a common and fixable issue. Most of the time, it happens because Windows mistakenly associates Excel files with Notepad.

By following simple steps like changing default apps, repairing Office, or resetting file associations, you can quickly solve the problem. If needed, advanced options like rebuilding the icon cache or reinstalling Office are also available.

With this guide, you should be able to open your Excel files correctly again and avoid similar issues in the future.

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