Fix Microsoft Excel Not Opening After macOS Big Sur Update
Question details
The user is unable to launch Microsoft Excel on a Mac after updating the operating system, receiving an error stating the application is damaged or incomplete.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- macOS Big Sur
- Scenario
- Launching Excel after completing a macOS Big Sur system update.
- Observed behavior
- Excel fails to open and displays a macOS error message indicating that the application bundle may be damaged or incomplete.
Ensure all other Microsoft Office applications like Word and PowerPoint are completely closed before attempting to remove or reinstall the Excel application.
Remove and Reinstall the Excel Application Bundle
This removes the corrupted application bundle caused by the OS update and replaces it with a fresh, working version.
Operating system updates can sometimes disrupt the permissions or file structure of complex applications. Moving just the Excel app to the Trash and reinstalling it is usually enough to repair the installation without affecting your personal files.
Make sure Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook are completely closed.
Open Finder, navigate to the 'Applications' folder, locate 'Microsoft Excel.app', and drag it to the Trash.
Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select 'Restart' to clear any remaining cached system files.
Download and run the official Microsoft Excel installer for Mac. Once installed, open the application, go to 'Help' in the top menu, and select 'Check for Updates' to install any pending patches.
Reinstall the Complete Microsoft Office Suite
If reinstalling just Excel does not resolve the issue, the entire Office installation may be corrupted and requires a complete reinstall.
Try WPS Office for Mac When Excel Won't Open
If Microsoft Excel continues to crash or display errors on macOS Big Sur, WPS Office offers a seamless and powerful alternative. It is highly optimized for Mac, absolutely free, and lets you manage your spreadsheets instantly without dealing with complex reinstallation processes.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Open your Excel files: Launch WPS Office and simply drag and drop your existing .xlsx files into the workspace to continue editing immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does macOS say Excel is damaged after a Big Sur update?
Major macOS updates can occasionally alter system permissions or disrupt application packages. This causes the OS's security features (like Gatekeeper) to mistakenly flag the modified or missing files within the app bundle as 'damaged' or 'incomplete'.
Will deleting Microsoft Excel.app delete my spreadsheet files?
No. Moving the Microsoft Excel application from the Applications folder to the Trash only removes the software program. Your personal spreadsheets and workbooks saved in your Documents folder or on your desktop remain perfectly safe.
Do I need to pay for Excel again if I reinstall it?
No. As long as you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription or a linked one-time purchase license, you can reinstall Excel or the entire Office suite for free by logging into your official Microsoft account online.
How do I check for Office updates on Mac?
Open any functioning Office application, such as Microsoft Word. Click on 'Help' in the top Apple menu bar, then select 'Check for Updates' to open the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool and install the latest versions.
