How to Open XLS and XLSX Files with Different Excel Versions
Question details
The user has both Excel 2003 and Excel 2010 installed on the same Windows computer and wants XLS files to open in Excel 2003 while XLSX files open in Excel 2010.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel 2003 and Excel 2010
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- The user needs separate default applications for .xls and .xlsx files because different Excel versions are preferred for each file type.
- Observed behavior
- Both XLS and XLSX files open in Excel 2010, and standard Windows file association settings only show Excel 2010 as the available Excel application.
Before changing file associations, close all Office applications and locate the Excel 2003 executable—commonly at C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office11\EXCEL.EXE. If it is missing, repair the Office 2003 installation first.
Assign Excel 2003 to XLS and Excel 2010 to XLSX with Open With
Use this when Windows shows only Excel 2010 and you want separate default Excel versions for .xls and .xlsx files.
Windows may register only the latest Excel version for multiple file types, but the Open with dialog can point each extension to a specific Excel executable.
Right-click any .xls file and choose Open with > Choose another app.
If the full list does not appear, click More apps or Look for another app on this PC.
Select Browse, navigate to the Excel 2003 installation folder—commonly C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office11—and choose EXCEL.EXE.
Enable Always use this app to open .xls files, then click OK.
Right-click an .xlsx file, repeat the process, and select the Excel 2010 executable so XLSX files stay assigned to Excel 2010.
Use Excel 2003 First as a Workaround When the Executable Is Not Listed
Use this if you cannot locate or register the Excel 2003 executable in the Open with dialog but still need to open XLS files in Excel 2003.
Open XLS and XLSX Files in One App with WPS Office
If maintaining two Excel versions and separate file associations is inconvenient, WPS Office Spreadsheets is a free, lightweight alternative that opens both .xls and .xlsx files with Microsoft Office compatibility and a familiar ribbon-style interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do both my XLS and XLSX files open in Excel 2010 when Excel 2003 is installed?
Windows usually registers only the latest or default Excel version for both file types. You need to assign the Excel 2003 executable to .xls files manually through Open with > Choose another app.
How can I set different default apps for XLS and XLSX files?
Right-click a file of each type, choose Open with > Choose another app, browse to the desired Excel executable, and select Always use this app to open .xls or .xlsx files.
Where is the Excel 2003 executable located?
It is commonly at C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office11\EXCEL.EXE. If it is not there, search your Office 2003 installation folder or repair Office 2003.
What can I do if Windows still opens XLS files in Excel 2010 after changing the association?
Restart File Explorer or sign out and back in so Windows refreshes the file association. If Excel 2003 is open first, double-clicking XLS files can also open them in Excel 2003.
Can WPS Office open both XLS and XLSX files without separate Excel installations?
Yes, WPS Spreadsheets opens, edits, and saves .xls and .xlsx files with Microsoft Excel format compatibility, so you can avoid managing multiple Excel versions.
