Data Import & Export

How to Make Excel Use a Comma as the Default CSV Delimiter

Maira Mehtab Oct 23, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to configure Excel to automatically use a comma as the delimiter when opening CSV files so they do not have to manually specify it during every import.

How to Make Excel Use a Comma as the Default CSV Delimiter

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Opening or importing comma-separated values (CSV) files into a spreadsheet.
Observed behavior: Excel repeatedly asks for a delimiter upon opening a CSV file or uses the system default instead of remembering the user's previously selected comma setting.

Before you start

Check your computer's Regional Settings, as Excel typically relies on the system's default list separator to automatically determine the delimiter for CSV files.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Power Query to Import CSV Data

Establish a permanent connection to your CSV file using Power Query to save your comma delimiter preference for future updates.

Because CSV files are simple plain text, they do not save application preferences like your preferred delimiter. Instead of opening the CSV file directly every time, you can create a data query in Excel that remembers how to parse the text using a comma.

Open the Get Data menu

Launch Microsoft Excel, navigate to the 'Data' tab on the ribbon, and click on 'From Text/CSV'.

Select the CSV file

Browse your computer's folders, select the target CSV file you want to import, and click the 'Import' button.

Set the delimiter to Comma

In the preview window that appears, click the 'Delimiter' dropdown menu, select 'Comma', and verify that your data columns look correct. Then click 'Load'.

Refresh data when needed

For future updates to the CSV file, you do not need to re-import it. Simply open this Excel workbook, go to the 'Data' tab, and click 'Refresh All' to update the data using the saved comma settings.

Best Practice: Using Power Query is highly recommended if your CSV data updates frequently, as it turns a manual import process into a one-click refresh.

Solution 2

Change the Windows System List Separator

Modify your Windows Regional Settings so Excel defaults to a comma for all CSV files automatically.

Advanced Spreadsheet Tool

Seamlessly Open and Import CSV Files with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Office provides a highly intuitive interface for handling CSV and text files. You can effortlessly specify a comma delimiter without modifying complex system settings or building queries.

1. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office on your computer and open the WPS Spreadsheet application.
2. Open the CSV file: Click on 'Menu' > 'Open', browse your computer to select your CSV file, and click 'Open'. The Text Import Wizard will automatically launch.
3. Select the comma delimiter: In the wizard, ensure 'Delimited' is selected, click Next, and check the 'Comma' box under the Delimiters section. A preview of your neatly organized columns will appear.
4. Finish the import: Click 'Finish' to instantly load the data into your spreadsheet with perfect column separation.

Intuitive Text Import Wizard for easily setting custom delimitersHigh compatibility with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .csv, .xls)Lightweight software with incredibly fast loading timesFree to use for everyday data management and spreadsheet tasks

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel ask for a delimiter every time I open a CSV file?

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files are plain text files that do not store any metadata or application preferences. Because they lack inherent formatting instructions, Excel relies on your system's regional settings to guess the delimiter or prompts you to define it manually.

Can I save a CSV file so it always opens correctly in Excel?

No, you cannot save application settings inside a standard CSV file. However, you can save the file as an Excel Workbook (.xlsx) after importing it, or use Excel's Power Query feature to save the import steps within a master workbook.

How do I fix all my CSV data cramming into one single column?

This happens when Excel uses a different default delimiter (like a semicolon or tab) than the one used in your file. You can highlight the single column, go to the 'Data' tab, and use the 'Text to Columns' feature to split the data by selecting 'Comma' as your custom delimiter.

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