Office for Mac Issues

Fix Excel for Mac Stuck on Updating and Will Not Open

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where Excel for Mac displays an indefinite updating message and refuses to launch.

Product: Excel for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Attempting to launch Excel on a new MacBook after recently installing Microsoft 365.
Observed behavior: Excel remains frozen on an 'updating' message and the application fails to open completely.

Before you start

Verify that your macOS is fully updated to the latest version and ensure you have your Microsoft 365 login credentials readily available in case a complete reinstallation is required.

Solution 1Recommended

Restart Your Mac to Close Background Processes

A simple system restart can forcefully close any hidden, hung Excel processes that are preventing the application from updating properly.

Often, Excel or the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool may get stuck in the background. Restarting the system clears the active memory and stops these stuck processes.

Close active applications

Save any ongoing work in other applications and quit them to prevent data loss.

Restart the Mac

Click the Apple menu icon located in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'Restart' from the dropdown menu.

Relaunch Excel

Once your MacBook has fully rebooted, click the Excel icon in your Dock or Applications folder to see if it bypasses the updating message.

Solution 2

Test in Safe Mode and Clear Excel Container Files

Booting into Safe Mode prevents conflicting startup items, while clearing container files resolves issues caused by corrupted application cache.

Solution 3

Uninstall and Reinstall Excel for Mac

If the application files are severely corrupted and updates cannot be processed, performing a clean installation of Excel is the most effective fix.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Avoid Update Loops with WPS Office for Mac

If Excel continues to hang on the updating screen or if you want an application that is lighter on your Mac's resources, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring you can manage your spreadsheets without frustrating update errors.

1. Download the Mac version: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the installer specifically designed for macOS.
2. Install the application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
3. Open your spreadsheets: Right-click any stuck Excel file, select 'Open With', and choose WPS Office to resume your work instantly.

Seamlessly open, edit, and save Microsoft Excel formats including .xlsx, .xls, and .csv.Lightweight installation ensures fast launch times without getting stuck on update screens.All-in-one software suite allowing you to manage spreadsheets, documents, and presentations in one window.Completely free to use with a familiar, intuitive interface similar to Microsoft Office.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Excel for Mac stuck on updating indefinitely?

This usually occurs when the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool gets interrupted, a hidden Excel process hangs in the background, or when corrupted cache files within the macOS Library prevent the update script from finalizing.

Will uninstalling Excel delete my saved spreadsheets?

No, uninstalling the Microsoft Excel application solely removes the program files. Your personal spreadsheets (.xlsx) saved on your local drive or iCloud will remain untouched and safe.

How do I check if other Office apps are affected by the update glitch?

Simply try opening Microsoft Word or PowerPoint from your Applications folder. If they open normally, the issue is isolated to Excel, and clearing the Excel-specific container files will likely resolve it.

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