File Cannot Open

How to Fix Excel Error 'We Can't Open This Workbook' on Mac

Maira Mehtab Oct 9, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user is unable to open a workbook in Excel for Mac, specifically when dealing with OneDrive files configured to show missing named items.

How to Fix Excel Error 'We Can't Open This Workbook' on Mac

Product: Microsoft Excel for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Attempting to open an Excel workbook located on a Mac desktop or a synced OneDrive folder.
Observed behavior: Excel displays a 'We can't open this workbook' error message and fails to load the file.

Before you start

Ensure your macOS and Microsoft Excel are updated to the latest versions, and check that your OneDrive sync client is running without active synchronization errors.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify File and Folder Permissions on Mac

File permission restrictions can block Excel from opening a workbook. Adjusting these on your Mac can quickly restore access.

macOS has strict security settings that can sometimes prevent applications like Excel from reading files, especially if they were downloaded or created by another user account.

Locate the Excel File

Open the Finder on your Mac and navigate to the folder containing the problematic Excel workbook.

Open Get Info

Right-click (or Control-click) on the file and select 'Get Info' from the context menu.

Adjust Sharing & Permissions

Scroll down to the 'Sharing & Permissions' section at the bottom of the info window. Click the lock icon to make changes, then ensure your user account is set to 'Read & Write' access.

Verify File and Folder Permissions on Mac

Apply to Enclosing Folder: If multiple files are affected, you can apply these permission changes to the entire parent folder by clicking the gear icon and selecting 'Apply to enclosed items'.

Solution 2

Isolate the Issue by Testing File Locations

Determine if the error is caused by OneDrive syncing issues or local application errors by saving test files in different locations.

Solution 3

Seek Further Microsoft Support

If local troubleshooting fails, providing a screenshot and workbook details to the Microsoft Community can help identify deeper issues.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office as a Reliable Mac Alternative

If Excel for Mac continues to have issues opening your workbooks, try using WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative that opens Office files seamlessly on macOS without complex permission errors.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx and .xls) formatsLightweight application that runs smoothly on macOSFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate interfaceExcellent local file management with fewer cloud sync conflicts

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel say it can't open my workbook on Mac?

This error usually occurs due to restricted file permissions on macOS, OneDrive synchronization glitches, or the workbook containing named items that are missing or corrupted.

How do I fix OneDrive sync issues causing Excel errors on Mac?

Try copying the file from your OneDrive folder directly to your local Mac Desktop. If it opens successfully from the Desktop, try pausing and resuming your OneDrive sync or restarting the OneDrive application.

Can missing named items cause the 'We can't open this workbook' error?

Yes, if a workbook is configured to display named items (like specific charts or ranges) that have been deleted or corrupted, Excel may struggle to load the file properly. Recovering an older version of the file or opening it in an alternative spreadsheet viewer can sometimes bypass this block.

Document & File Issues