How to Convert Multiple Excel 97-2003 XLS Files to XLSX in WPS Office
Question details
The user needs to convert an entire folder of Excel 97-2003 (.xls) workbooks to the modern Excel Workbook (.xlsx) format, preferably in one batch rather than one file at a time.
- Product
- WPS Office Spreadsheets / Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user has multiple legacy Excel 97-2003 workbooks and wants them migrated to the current .xlsx format for better compatibility, file size, and modern features.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Excel does not provide a standard built-in command to convert a whole folder of XLS files at once; each file normally requires a separate Save As conversion.
Create a dedicated folder containing only the .xls files you want to convert, and confirm that each workbook opens normally in WPS Office. If any workbook is password-protected, have the password ready before starting the conversion.
Batch Convert XLS Workbooks to XLSX with WPS Office Batch Processing
Use this method when you have many Excel 97-2003 files and want to convert them in one operation instead of opening each file manually.
WPS Office includes a batch conversion workflow that accepts multiple legacy workbooks and creates .xlsx copies in the output folder you choose.
Launch WPS Office, then click Tools or the Application Center entry on the home screen and select Batch Processing from the available tools.
In the File Format Conversion section, click Add files or Add folder, then select the folder containing your .xls workbooks.
Set the target format to Excel Workbook (*.xlsx) and specify a separate output folder so the original .xls files remain unchanged.
Click Convert or Start, wait for the task to finish, then open the generated .xlsx files in WPS Spreadsheets to confirm the data and formulas are intact.
Convert Each Workbook Manually with Save As in WPS Spreadsheets
Use this method when you only have a few files or when your WPS Office edition does not show the batch processing entry.
Convert Legacy Excel Workbooks to XLSX with WPS Office
WPS Office can open Excel 97-2003 files and save them in the modern .xlsx format through batch conversion or the familiar Save As workflow. It gives you a free, lightweight way to migrate legacy workbooks while keeping them compatible with Microsoft Excel.
- 1. Download and install WPS Office: Get WPS Office from the official WPS website, install it, and open WPS Spreadsheets.
- 2. Prepare the legacy XLS files: Place all Excel 97-2003 .xls workbooks in one folder and verify that they open correctly.
- 3. Run the batch conversion: In WPS Office, go to Tools > Batch Processing > File Format Conversion, add the XLS files, and set the output format to Excel Workbook (*.xlsx).
- 4. Save and review the converted files: Choose an output folder and start the conversion, then open the new .xlsx files in WPS Spreadsheets to confirm everything is intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can WPS Office convert multiple XLS files to XLSX at once?
Yes. In WPS Office, go to Tools > Batch Processing > File Format Conversion, add the Excel 97-2003 .xls files or the folder, choose Excel Workbook (*.xlsx) as the output format, and run the conversion.
Does converting XLS to XLSX change formulas, formatting, or macros?
Saving as .xlsx generally keeps worksheet data, formulas, and common formatting. Legacy Excel 97-2003-specific elements or older macro features may require a compatibility check after conversion.
Do I need Microsoft 365 installed to convert these files with WPS Office?
No. WPS Office can open Excel 97-2003 .xls files and save them as .xlsx on its own, without requiring Microsoft 365 or Excel to be installed.
Can I batch convert password-protected XLS workbooks?
Password-protected workbooks usually require the password before WPS Office can open and convert them. Have the password ready or remove workbook protection before starting the batch.
