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How to Fix Excel Files Opening with a Microsoft Edge Icon
Question details
The user needs to restore correct file associations so that spreadsheet files open in the Excel desktop application instead of the Microsoft Edge browser, and learn how to recover missing OneDrive files.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to open saved .xlsx or .xls spreadsheets from local storage or a synced OneDrive folder.
- Observed behavior
- Excel files display a Microsoft Edge icon and automatically open in the web browser instead of the Excel application. In some cases, synced OneDrive workbooks or specific worksheets appear to be missing.
Before altering your default file settings, ensure that your preferred spreadsheet software is fully installed and updated on your computer.
Change Default App File Association to Excel
Set Microsoft Excel as the default application for all your spreadsheet formats to prevent them from routing through your web browser.
When Windows loses track of the correct program for a specific file type, it often defaults to Microsoft Edge for XML-based files like .xlsx. Manually reassigning the default app will instantly fix the icon and the opening behavior.
Ensure your workbook has a valid spreadsheet extension, such as .xlsx or .xls. You can check this by right-clicking the file, selecting 'Properties', and looking at the 'Type of file' section.
Right-click the affected Excel file, hover over 'Open with' in the context menu, and select 'Choose another app'.
Choose 'Excel' from the list of available applications. Make sure to check the box at the bottom that says 'Always use this app to open .xlsx files'.
Click 'OK'. The file icon should immediately change back to the standard Excel icon, and the file will now open in the desktop app.
Recover Missing Files and Download Online-Only Workbooks
Resolve issues where OneDrive sync errors cause files to open incorrectly or worksheets to go missing.
Fix Spreadsheet Associations Instantly with WPS Office
If Microsoft Excel continues to experience file association errors, WPS Office provides a robust, built-in file repair tool that automatically associates your .xlsx and .xls files with its powerful spreadsheet editor, bypassing browser redirects completely.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office Free from the official website.
- 2. Open Configuration Tools: Search for 'WPS Office Configuration Tools' in your Windows Start menu and open the application.
- 3. Navigate to Compatibilities: Click the 'Advanced' button and navigate to the 'Compatibilities' tab.
- 4. Set Default Associations: Check the box for 'WPS Office to be the default program for Microsoft Office files' and click 'OK' to instantly fix your spreadsheet icons and opening behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Excel files suddenly have a Microsoft Edge icon?
This usually happens when Windows loses the default file association for .xlsx or .xls files. This can occur after a Windows update, a browser update, or if your spreadsheet software was recently updated or uninstalled, causing the system to default to Microsoft Edge to read the files.
Can I stop OneDrive from opening files in the web browser?
Yes. In your OneDrive settings, you can ensure that files are set to open in the desktop application rather than Office Online. Additionally, ensuring your files are downloaded by right-clicking them and selecting 'Always keep on this device' forces them to open locally.
How do I recover a missing worksheet in an Excel file?
If the file is synced with OneDrive, log in to your OneDrive account online, right-click the affected file, and select 'Version history'. You can preview and restore an earlier version of the workbook that still contains the missing worksheet.
What if changing the 'Open with' setting doesn't fix the icon?
If the default app is set correctly but the Edge icon persists, you may need to clear your Windows icon cache. You can do this by deleting the IconCache.db file in your local AppData folder and restarting your computer.
