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Fix Excel White Screen on macOS Ventura (Version 16.57)
Question details
The user needs to resolve a rendering issue where Excel worksheets open as completely blank white screens on a Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 / Office Home & Business 2021)
- Device & OS
- macOS Ventura 13.5.1
- Scenario
- Opening existing worksheets or creating new ones in an outdated version of Excel (16.57).
- Observed behavior
- Excel launches but fails to render the worksheet interface, displaying only a blank white screen instead of gridlines and data.
Save your work in any other open applications and ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection and plugged into a power source before initiating system or software updates.
Update macOS and Microsoft Office
Since version 16.57 is outdated (released in Jan 2022), updating to the latest version of Microsoft AutoUpdate and Office resolves known compatibility issues with macOS Ventura.
Software compatibility issues between older versions of Microsoft Office and newer macOS versions commonly cause display glitches like the white screen. Updating the software replaces outdated display rendering protocols with compatible ones.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, select 'System Settings', click on 'General' in the sidebar, and choose 'Software Update'. Install any pending updates for your Mac.
Open Microsoft Word or another functional Office application. In the top menu bar, click on 'Help' and select 'Check for Updates' from the dropdown menu to open the AutoUpdate tool.
In the Microsoft AutoUpdate window, click the 'Update' button next to Excel, or click 'Update All' to download and install the latest versions of all your Office applications.
Once the updates are successfully installed, restart your Mac. Open Microsoft Excel again to verify that the worksheets load correctly without the white screen.
Experience Stable and Flawless Spreadsheets on Mac with WPS Office
If you are tired of dealing with compatibility glitches and display issues in Excel, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative for Mac users without the need for constant, heavy updates to maintain basic functionality.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the dedicated macOS version.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and directly open your existing Excel files without any format conversion or data loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel show a white screen on my Mac?
A white screen usually occurs due to software conflicts between an outdated version of Excel (like 16.57) and a newer operating system like macOS Ventura. The application fails to render the visual interface correctly.
Will I lose my spreadsheet data if Excel shows a blank screen?
No, your data is typically safe and intact. The white screen is purely a visual rendering issue, not a sign of file corruption. Updating the software will restore normal display functionality.
What if Microsoft AutoUpdate isn't working on my Mac?
If AutoUpdate is unresponsive or fails to find updates, you can download the latest version of the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool directly from the official Microsoft download center, install it, and run it again to update Excel.
Can I fix the white screen without updating macOS?
While updating only Microsoft Office might suffice in some cases, it is highly recommended to update both macOS and Office. This ensures full system compatibility and prevents future graphical glitches.
