How to Fix Excel Disappeared After Office Update (Word Works)
Question details
The user is unable to find or launch Microsoft Excel after performing an Office update, even though other applications like Word and PowerPoint remain functional.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to launch Excel or open an existing Excel workbook immediately following a Microsoft Office or Windows update.
- Observed behavior
- Excel shortcuts are missing from the desktop and Start menu. Additionally, Windows prompts the user to select a default application when trying to open Excel (.xlsx) files.
Before proceeding, restart your computer to ensure all background update processes are fully completed, as pending configurations can sometimes hide app shortcuts temporarily.
Locate the Excel Executable and Create a New Shortcut
Use this method if the update only deleted your Excel shortcuts but the actual application is still safely installed on your local drive.
In many cases, the Office update process fails to restore desktop icons or Start menu pins, making it seem like the application is uninstalled. You can manually check the installation folder to verify if the executable file still exists.
Click the File Explorer folder icon on your taskbar or press the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
Go to the following directory: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office (Note: the exact folder name might be 'Office16' depending on your installed version).
Scroll through the folder and look for the file named 'EXCEL.EXE' (it will have the standard green Excel icon).
Right-click on 'EXCEL.EXE' and select 'Pin to Start' or 'Pin to taskbar'. To add it to your desktop, select 'Show more options' > 'Send to' > 'Desktop (create shortcut)'.
Run the Microsoft Office Repair Tool
Use this method if the EXCEL.EXE file is missing from the installation folder or if the application crashes immediately upon launch.
Uninstall and Reinstall Microsoft Office
If repairing the installation does not work, a clean reinstallation of the Office suite is required to recover the missing Excel application.
Try WPS Office: A Reliable and Free Alternative to Avoid Update Issues
Tired of missing applications and frustrating Microsoft Office update bugs? WPS Office is a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative that includes Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation in one unified software, ensuring individual apps never disappear.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer. The lightweight design ensures the installation completes in just a few minutes.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Excel workbooks seamlessly to resume your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Excel disappear after a Windows or Office update?
Sometimes update processes encounter glitches that fail to recreate desktop or Start menu shortcuts. In rare cases, an incomplete update might corrupt the specific Excel application file while leaving others, like Word and PowerPoint, completely intact.
How do I make Excel the default app for my spreadsheets again?
Right-click any .xlsx file on your computer, select 'Open with' > 'Choose another app'. Select Excel from the list, check the box that says 'Always use this app to open .xlsx files', and click OK.
Will I lose my Excel files if the application disappears?
No. Your Excel workbooks (.xlsx) are saved separately on your local hard drive or cloud storage. Losing the application shortcut or even uninstalling the software does not delete your personal document files.
