Office Apps Crashing

Fix Excel Crashing When Importing CSV or Text Files

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user experiences sudden application crashes without any error messages when trying to import CSV or text files into a spreadsheet.

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Importing CSV or text files into an Excel workbook using the 'Get Data' functionality.
Observed behavior: Excel closes abruptly during the import process on one specific computer, even though the same files and actions work perfectly on other devices.

Before you start

Before beginning the troubleshooting process, save all your open files and close any running Office applications to prevent data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Repair Microsoft 365 or Office Installation

Running the built-in Windows repair tool for Office can fix corrupted program files that cause Excel to crash during data import tasks.

Open Windows Settings

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings, then navigate to Apps > Installed apps.

Locate Microsoft Office

Scroll down or use the search bar to find your Microsoft 365 or Office installation in the app list.

Run Online Repair

Click the three dots next to the app (or select it) and choose Modify. Select 'Online Repair' and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the repair process.

Solution 2

Disable Excel COM Add-ins

Faulty or incompatible third-party add-ins can conflict with Excel's Power Query or Get Data features, leading to silent application crashes.

Solution 3

Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Conflicts

Since the issue is isolated to a single computer, background services or startup programs might be interfering with Excel's data processing capabilities.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Import CSV and Text Files Seamlessly with WPS Spreadsheet

If Microsoft Excel continues to crash due to corrupted system registries or stubborn software conflicts, WPS Office provides a stable, lightweight, and highly capable alternative. WPS Spreadsheet effortlessly handles CSV and text file imports without unexpectedly freezing or crashing.

1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office from the official website and follow the easy installation wizard.
2. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and create a new blank workbook.
3. Import CSV Data: Navigate to the Data tab, click 'Import Data', and choose your CSV or text file to load it safely into your worksheet.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats, including .xlsx, .xls, and .csv.Lightweight architecture ensures stable data imports even on older computers.Familiar user interface allows you to switch and manage data with zero learning curve.Completely free to use for everyday spreadsheet and office tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel close abruptly without showing any error messages?

Silent crashes usually occur when a critical application file is corrupted, a COM add-in triggers a fatal exception, or there is a severe system resource conflict that forces Windows to terminate the process before it can generate an error log.

Can the file size of my CSV cause Excel to crash during the import?

Yes. If your CSV file contains more than Excel's maximum limit of 1,048,576 rows, or if your computer does not have enough RAM to process a massive dataset, Excel's Power Query engine may freeze and force the application to close.

How do I test if my Windows user profile is causing Excel to crash?

You can create a new local administrator account by going to Windows Settings > Accounts > Other users. Log into that new profile, open Excel, and try importing the CSV file. If it works, your original user profile's registry or app data may be corrupted.

Is it safe to reset the Microsoft Office registry settings?

Resetting the Office registry can fix stubborn bugs, but it must be done carefully. Always right-click and 'Export' the Office registry key (typically found at HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office) in the Registry Editor to create a backup file before making any changes.

Office App Problems