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Fix Excel Book.xltx Custom Template Not Loading at Startup
Question details
The user needs Excel to automatically apply a custom Book.xltx template upon startup or when a new blank workbook is selected.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting a default custom template (Book.xltx) for all new workbooks, specifically when deployed across devices via Intune.
- Observed behavior
- The Book.xltx template works when opened directly from the XLSTART folder but is ignored when Excel starts normally or when 'Blank workbook' is selected from the Start screen.
Ensure your custom template is named exactly 'Book.xltx' and is placed correctly in the XLSTART folder (typically found at %appdata%\Microsoft\Excel\XLSTART).
Disable the Excel Start Screen and Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Bypassing the Excel Start screen forces the application to automatically load the custom template from the XLSTART folder.
Excel does not have a direct equivalent to Word's Normal.dotm template that applies automatically when clicking 'Blank workbook' on the Start screen. Disabling the Start screen is the most effective workaround.
Launch Microsoft Excel and navigate to File > Options (or File > Account > General).
Scroll down to the 'Start up options' section under the General tab.
Uncheck the box that says 'Show the Start screen when this application starts', then click OK.
Close and reopen Excel. It should now automatically open your Book.xltx template.
Alternatively, if you prefer to keep the Start screen enabled, simply press Ctrl+N while in Excel to instantly generate a new workbook based on Book.xltx.
Unblock Intune-Deployed Template Files
Remove Windows security blocks on files deployed via Intune to allow Excel to run them at startup.
Use WPS Office for Hassle-Free Spreadsheet Templates
If Excel's startup template limitations disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for handling spreadsheets and custom templates without complex startup quirks.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Create a New Template: Open WPS Spreadsheet, design your layout, and go to Menu > Save As > WPS Spreadsheet Template (*.xltx).
- 3. Use Your Template: Easily access your saved templates directly from the WPS start screen without dealing with complex folder paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Book.xltx open fine manually but not on startup?
When you click 'Blank workbook' from the Excel Start screen, Excel bypasses the XLSTART folder and uses its hardcoded default blank format. To force Excel to use your Book.xltx template, you must disable the Start screen so Excel goes directly into the workspace.
Where is the XLSTART folder located?
The primary XLSTART folder is typically located at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel\XLSTART. Any compatible template placed in this folder will open automatically when Excel launches without the Start screen.
Does Excel have a default template equivalent to Word's Normal.dotm?
No, Excel does not have a direct equivalent to Normal.dotm. The standard Microsoft workaround is to place a Book.xltx file in the XLSTART folder, disable the Start screen, and use the Ctrl+N shortcut to create new files based on that template.
Why is my template blocked by Windows?
Windows includes a security feature called Mark-of-the-Web (MOTW) that flags files downloaded from the internet or deployed via systems like Intune. You can remove this flag by checking the 'Unblock' box in the file's Properties menu.
