Fix Excel Creating Extra Blank Files When Saving Workbooks
Question details
An additional blank file is unexpectedly generated every time an Excel workbook is saved.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel 2016
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Saving an active spreadsheet or workbook to a local or synced folder.
- Observed behavior
- Alongside the correctly saved workbook, an extra, unidentified blank file appears in the same directory.
Before troubleshooting, ensure you have enabled the viewing of file name extensions in your Windows File Explorer (View > File name extensions) so you can accurately identify the phantom file.
Identify the Extra File's Format and Extension
Check the properties of the extra blank file to determine its format, which provides clues about the software or background process generating it.
Excel files are heavily integrated with system processes, third-party add-ins, and cloud synchronization tools. When an extra file appears upon saving, finding out its exact extension (such as .xlsx, .tmp, or a system file type) will help you pinpoint whether Excel, an active add-in, or another application is to blame.
Navigate to the folder directory where you just saved your Excel workbook and find the extra blank file that was created.
Right-click on the blank file and select 'Properties' from the context menu.
Look closely at the 'Type of file' and 'Opens with' attributes. If the extension is .xlsx or .xlsm, an Excel add-in is likely creating it. If it is a temporary file (.tmp), it may be caused by an antivirus scan or a synchronization tool like OneDrive locking the file during the save process.
Disable Third-Party COM Add-ins
If you determine the extra file is an Excel document, disabling active COM add-ins can resolve the duplication conflict.
Switch to WPS Office for a Bug-Free Spreadsheet Experience
Tired of strange glitches like extra blank files or locked temp files when saving? WPS Office offers a highly stable, lightweight, and completely free alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring a smooth and reliable spreadsheet experience.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your device.
- 2. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing Excel workbooks with zero formatting loss.
- 3. Save Without Glitches: Edit and save your files smoothly without worrying about temporary file bugs or extra blank documents cluttering your folders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel create temporary files when saving?
Excel normally creates hidden temporary files to prevent data loss and corruption during the save process. These files are typically deleted automatically once the save operation is completely successful. If they remain visible in your folder, it usually indicates a sudden interruption, a file permissions issue, or a software conflict.
Can my antivirus software cause Excel to create extra files?
Yes. Some aggressive antivirus programs scan the temporary file generated during the Excel save process. This can temporarily lock the file, preventing Excel from deleting it after the save is completed, which leaves an extra, seemingly blank file behind in your directory.
Does cloud synchronization cause duplicate Excel files?
Synchronization tools like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox can sometimes lock files while uploading them to the cloud. If Excel attempts to finalize a save while the sync tool is holding the temporary file, it may fail to clean up, resulting in a duplicate or leftover blank file.
