Fix Microsoft Excel Customize Ribbon Options Window Not Opening
Question details
User cannot open the Excel Customize Ribbon or Excel Options window, although Ribbon customization works in Word and Outlook.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- User needs to customize the Excel Ribbon or access Excel Options in Microsoft 365/Office and finds the dialog does not open.
- Observed behavior
- Excel Options or Customize Ribbon window fails to open in Excel while other Office applications open it normally.
Close all Office applications, save any open Excel workbooks, and make sure you have permission to install Office updates or run a repair. If this is a managed work device, check whether your administrator has restricted Office customization.
Update Office and test Excel in Safe Mode
Use this first to identify whether an Office update or an add-in conflict is blocking the Excel Options dialog.
Open any Office app, click File > Account, select Update Options, and choose Update Now. Wait until updates finish and then close Office apps.
Press Windows + R, type excel /safe in the Run box, and press Enter. Excel opens with add-ins and customizations disabled.
In Safe Mode, click File > Options > Customize Ribbon. If the window opens, an add-in or damaged Excel customization is likely interfering.
Exit Safe Mode, open Excel normally, click File > Options > Add-ins, choose COM Add-ins from Manage, click Go, clear suspicious add-ins, and restart Excel.
Run an Office Online Repair
Use this when Safe Mode confirms the issue is not an add-in or when updating Office did not restore the Excel Options window.
Avoid Excel Options Window Issues with WPS Office Spreadsheets
WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative that opens and saves Excel-compatible spreadsheets in familiar .xlsx, .xls, and .xlsm formats. It offers an easy-to-use ribbon interface and simple customization settings, so you can keep working without complicated Office repair workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Excel Options window open in Word and Outlook but not in Excel?
This usually points to an Excel-specific add-in, a local Excel options setting, or a partial Excel installation. Start Excel in Safe Mode and check File > Options > Customize Ribbon; if that works, disable COM add-ins under File > Options > Add-ins.
How do I start Excel in Safe Mode to test the Customize Ribbon window?
Press Windows + R, type excel /safe, and press Enter. In Safe Mode click File > Options > Customize Ribbon to see whether the dialog opens.
Will an Office Online Repair delete my Excel workbooks?
No. Online Repair reinstalls or repairs the Office program files. Your saved workbooks and personal files remain in their original folders.
Can WPS Office open and edit Excel-compatible files with a customizable ribbon?
Yes. WPS Office Spreadsheets can open .xlsx, .xls, and .xlsm files and provides its own ribbon and settings under the WPS Office menu, so you do not need the Microsoft Excel Options window.
What should I do if the Excel Options dialog still will not open after a repair?
Check with your Microsoft 365 administrator for managed update restrictions, create a new Windows user profile to test, or use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant. In the meantime, WPS Office can open and edit the same Excel files.
