Where to Find the Excel Personal.xlsb Startup Folder on Mac
Question details
The user needs to locate the new startup directory path for the Excel Personal.xlsb file after upgrading their operating system.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- macOS Big Sur
- Scenario
- Navigating updated system paths after a macOS upgrade to ensure custom Excel macros load correctly on startup.
- Observed behavior
- The previous Excel startup path for the Personal.xlsb file is missing or unavailable, preventing stored macros from launching automatically.
Ensure you have the latest version of Microsoft Excel for Mac installed and have a copy of your existing Personal.xlsb file ready to be transferred to the new directory.
Locate the Office Group Containers Startup Folder in Finder
Access the hidden Library folder in macOS Finder to navigate to the updated Microsoft Office startup directory and place your macro workbook securely.
In newer macOS versions like Big Sur, Microsoft Office applications store their user content in sandboxed 'Group Containers'. This changes the traditional path where Excel looks for startup files like Personal.xlsb.
Open Finder, click on 'Go' in the top menu bar, press and hold the 'Option' key on your keyboard, and click on 'Library' when it appears in the dropdown list.
In the Library folder, locate and open the 'Group Containers' directory. Look for the specific Microsoft Office container folder, which typically begins with a string like 'UBF8T346G9' and ends with '.Office'.
Inside the Office container folder, navigate through the subfolders in this exact order: 'User Content', then 'Startup', and finally open the 'Excel' folder.
Copy your Personal.xlsb file and paste it into this Excel folder. Restart Microsoft Excel to ensure your personal macros load properly on startup.
Recover a Missing Personal.xlsb File via Time Machine
Use macOS Time Machine to restore your Personal.xlsb file if it was lost or deleted during the upgrade process to macOS Big Sur.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Spreadsheet Experience on Mac
Struggling with complicated file directory changes and system updates in Microsoft Excel? WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. Enjoy a familiar interface with seamless macro and spreadsheet support, making file management on your Mac effortless.
- 1. Download the Application: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer specifically designed for macOS.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded setup package and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder to complete the installation.
- 3. Open Your Workbooks: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and instantly open your existing Excel and macro files without needing to configure complex startup directories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I see the Library folder in my Mac's Finder?
By default, macOS hides the user Library folder to prevent accidental modification or deletion of crucial system and application files. To access it, you must actively hold down the 'Option' key while clicking the 'Go' menu in Finder.
What is the purpose of the Personal.xlsb file in Excel?
The Personal.xlsb file is a hidden personal macro workbook that opens automatically in the background every time you start Excel. It allows you to store your customized VBA macros and easily use them across multiple different workbooks.
Will my existing Excel macros break after upgrading to macOS Big Sur?
Your VBA macros themselves will not break, but because macOS Big Sur changes the sandboxing rules for Microsoft Office, Excel may no longer look in the old directory. You simply need to move your Personal.xlsb file to the new Group Containers startup path.
What should I do if my Microsoft Office container folder has a different name?
The prefix of the folder name (like 'UBF8T346G9') is an internal system identifier and might vary slightly between devices. Simply look for the folder ending with '.Office' within your Group Containers directory; the internal structure will be the same.
