Fix Microsoft Excel Crashes When Saving, Deleting Sheets, or Importing TXT Files
Question details
Troubleshoot Excel closing during workbook saves, worksheet deletion, or TXT file imports.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel in Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user works with Excel worksheets and imports TXT reports from an ERP system.
- Observed behavior
- Excel hangs or closes during these operations. Outlook has also restarted while searching old messages.
Note whether the crash occurs in every workbook or only specific files, and record how you import the TXT reports. The steps below use Windows controls; if your organization manages updates or settings, contact your IT administrator when access is restricted.
Update Office and Windows, then test Excel in safe mode
Use updates and safe mode to check whether an outdated installation or an add-in is contributing to the crashes.
In Excel, open File > Account > Update Options > Update Now. If updates are managed by your organization, ask your IT administrator to check them.
Open Windows Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Install available updates and restart if prompted.
Close Excel, press Windows+R, enter excel /safe, and select OK. Try saving a workbook, deleting a sheet, and importing a TXT file.
If safe mode prevents the crash, open Excel normally and go to File > Options > Add-ins. Select COM Add-ins in the Manage list, click Go, and clear add-ins to test them; re-enable them one at a time to identify a possible cause.
Use a clean boot to check for background software interference
Use this test if Excel still closes or you suspect another program is interfering.
Repair Microsoft 365 and collect details for support
Use Online Repair if the earlier tests do not resolve the crashes, then document the results for Microsoft Support.
Work with spreadsheets and TXT data in WPS Office
WPS Office is a free, lightweight Office alternative with a familiar interface for working with spreadsheets. Its format compatibility can help you move existing files over while you troubleshoot Microsoft Excel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell whether an Excel add-in is causing the crash?
Press Windows+R, run excel /safe, and repeat the failing operation. If Excel works in safe mode, check File > Options > Add-ins and disable COM add-ins to test them.
Where can I find my Microsoft 365 version and update channel?
In Excel, open File > Account and look under Product Information. Record the version and update channel for your IT administrator or Microsoft Support.
What if Excel crashes only when I import an ERP TXT report?
Try importing the report into a blank workbook and note the import method, file format, and whether other TXT files also fail. Share those details with your IT administrator or Microsoft Support.
Does WPS Office repair Microsoft Excel crashes?
No. WPS Office is an alternative for working with compatible spreadsheet files; use Microsoft 365 Online Repair or Microsoft Support to troubleshoot Excel itself.
