How to Fix Excel Not Opening Due to Missing Qt5Gui.dll Error
Question details
The user is unable to launch Microsoft Excel due to a system error indicating that the Qt5Gui.dll or Qt5TGui.dll file is missing.

- Product
- Microsoft Excel, Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to launch Excel after a storage cleanup or system modification that resulted in removed or damaged application files.
- Observed behavior
- Excel fails to open and Windows displays a system error stating that Qt5Gui.dll or Qt5TGui.dll was not found.
Ensure you have administrator privileges on your Windows computer, and strictly avoid downloading DLL files from untrusted third-party websites to prevent malware infections.
Repair Microsoft 365 via Apps and Features
Use the built-in Windows repair tool to fix missing or corrupted files in your Microsoft Office installation safely.
Running the built-in Office repair utility is the safest way to replace missing DLL files originally installed by Microsoft 365 without risking system security.
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings, then click on 'Apps' and navigate to 'Apps & features'.
Scroll down the list of installed applications to find 'Microsoft 365' or your specific version of Microsoft Office.
Click on the Microsoft 365 entry, select 'Modify', choose 'Online Repair', and follow the on-screen instructions to download and restore the missing DLL files.

Run the System File Checker (SFC) Tool
Scan for and restore corrupted Windows system files that might be causing the DLL error upon launching Excel.
Identify and Reinstall the Requesting Application
If repairing Office does not work, the Qt5Gui.dll file might belong to a third-party add-in or another application installed on your PC.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Spreadsheet Experience
If repairing Microsoft Office is taking too much time or the missing DLL error persists, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and fully compatible alternative. You can open, edit, and save your Excel spreadsheets immediately without dealing with complex installation errors.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Run the Setup: Open the downloaded installer file to begin the quick and straightforward installation process.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and instantly open your existing Excel files to seamlessly resume your work.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Qt5Gui.dll file?
Qt5Gui.dll is a Dynamic Link Library file associated with the Qt framework, which is often used by various software applications to run their graphical user interfaces. It is not exclusively an Excel file, which is why other installed applications or third-party Excel add-ins might trigger this error.
Is it safe to download Qt5Gui.dll from a third-party website?
No, downloading individual DLL files from unverified third-party websites is highly discouraged. These files can be outdated, incompatible with your system version, or secretly infected with malware. It is always safer to use the software's built-in repair tool or run a Windows system scan.
Can a simple restart fix the missing DLL error?
Sometimes, a simple PC restart can resolve temporary memory glitches or complete pending software updates that might be causing the file to appear missing. However, if the file was physically deleted during a storage cleanup, you will need to run a repair or reinstall the software.
How do I know which specific app is requesting the Qt5Gui.dll file?
Read the full error message carefully; it often specifies the executable file path (e.g., C:\Program Files\AppName\app.exe) that failed to launch. Alternatively, you can use the Windows Event Viewer under the 'Application' logs to find the exact source program causing the crash.




