Office for Mac Issues

Fix Excel Cannot Open Two Files with the Same Name on Mac

WPS Content Manager Oct 8, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an error preventing them from opening an Excel file because the application claims a file with the same name is already open.

How to Fix Excel Cannot Open Two Files with the Same Name on Mac

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Attempting to open or recover an Excel workbook after the application unexpectedly crashed.
Observed behavior: Excel displays an error stating two files with the same name cannot be opened simultaneously, while the original file appears to be missing from its local or iCloud folder.

Before you start

Ensure you have completely force-quit Microsoft Excel and restarted your Mac to clear any hidden background processes that might be locking the file.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear the Excel Startup Folder Conflict

Use this solution if Excel is configured to automatically open files from a specific folder at launch, which conflicts with manual file opening.

When an Excel file is placed in the designated startup folder, Excel opens it automatically in the background. If you then try to double-click the same file from another location like iCloud, Excel triggers the duplicate name error.

Access Excel Preferences

Open Microsoft Excel on your Mac, click on 'Excel' in the top menu bar, and select 'Preferences'.

Locate Startup Settings

Click on 'General' and look for the field labeled 'At startup, open all files in:'.

Clear or Modify the Folder

Navigate to the folder specified in that path using Finder. Remove the conflicting Excel file from that startup folder, or rename it. Restart Excel to verify the error is gone.

Tip: Leaving the startup folder field blank in Excel Preferences prevents these types of automated background conflicts.

Solution 2

Recover the File from Mac AutoRecovery

If your file went missing after the Excel crash, you may need to locate it in the hidden AutoRecovery directory before resolving the naming conflict.

Solution 3

Check iCloud Sync and Recently Deleted

Use this method if the file was stored on iCloud Drive and seems to have vanished after the application crash.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Stable Spreadsheet Experience on Mac

If you frequently encounter crashes, locked files, or missing features in your current spreadsheet software, WPS Office offers a lightweight and highly compatible alternative for Mac users. It handles complex data seamlessly without startup folder conflicts.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version for free.
2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded package and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and simply drag and drop your .xlsx files into the workspace to edit them safely.

100% free and lightweight office suite optimized for macOSSeamless format compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls, .csv)Stable performance with reliable built-in auto-backup and cloud syncFamiliar tabbed user interface with zero learning curve

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel on Mac say a file is already open when it isn't?

This typically occurs if Excel crashed and left a temporary hidden lock file behind, or if the exact same file is saved in the Excel Startup folder while you are trying to manually launch it from Finder.

Is there an Office repair tool for Mac to fix Excel crashes?

Unlike the Windows version, Microsoft Office for Mac does not include a built-in 'Repair' button. To resolve persistent issues, you usually need to update the application, clear cache files, or completely uninstall and reinstall the Office suite.

How do I force quit Excel on a Mac if it freezes?

You can force quit any frozen Mac application by pressing Option + Command + Esc simultaneously, selecting Microsoft Excel from the list, and clicking 'Force Quit'.

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