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Fix Excel 2016 Freezing on Starting Screen in Windows 11
Question details
The user is unable to launch Microsoft Excel 2016 because the application freezes indefinitely on the initial startup screen.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel 2016
- Device & OS
- Windows 11 version 24H2
- Scenario
- Opening a workbook or launching the Excel 2016 application on a computer running a recent Windows 11 update.
- Observed behavior
- Excel 2016 completely freezes and remains stuck on the 'Starting...' splash screen, preventing the user from accessing their workbooks.
Check your Microsoft Office architecture by opening another Office app like Word, navigating to File > Account > About Word, and noting whether you are running the 32-bit or 64-bit version.
Install the November 2024 Update for Excel 2016 (KB4484305)
Applying this specific Microsoft update patches the compatibility bug between Excel 2016 and Windows 11 version 24H2, permanently resolving the startup freeze.
Microsoft has acknowledged this freezing issue and released a dedicated patch (KB4484305) to address the startup hang on Windows 11 systems.
Visit the official Microsoft Support page for update KB4484305 or search for it in the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Choose either the 32-bit or 64-bit download link, ensuring it perfectly matches your currently installed version of Office 2016.
Run the downloaded executable file, follow the on-screen installation prompts, and restart your computer to apply the changes.
Open Excel in Safe Mode
If you cannot download the update immediately, launching Excel in Safe Mode allows you to bypass the startup screen and access your files temporarily.
Use WPS Office to Avoid Excel Startup Freezes
Tired of dealing with application freezes and troubleshooting outdated software? WPS Office is a modern, lightweight, and completely free alternative to Microsoft Office. It launches instantly on Windows 11 without getting stuck, ensuring a smooth and productive workflow.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your Windows 11 computer.
- 2. Open your file: Right-click the Excel workbook you need to open, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Spreadsheets to view and edit your data instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel 2016 freeze on Windows 11 version 24H2?
The freeze occurs due to a specific compatibility issue between the older Excel 2016 application architecture and the system changes introduced in the Windows 11 24H2 feature update.
How do I check if my Office 2016 is 32-bit or 64-bit?
Open another working Office application like Microsoft Word, click on File, select Account, and then click on 'About Word'. The pop-up window will clearly display whether your installation is 32-bit or 64-bit at the top.
Will I lose my data if Excel freezes on the startup screen?
No, your data is completely safe. The freeze is only an application launch issue, not a file corruption issue. Once you install the KB4484305 update or open the file using an alternative like WPS Office, your workbook will be intact.
