How to Exit Excel Compatibility Mode and Convert a Workbook in WPS Office Spreadsheets
Question details
The user wants to remove Compatibility Mode from an Excel workbook so that modern table features and commands are available.
- Product
- WPS Office Spreadsheets
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A workbook saved in the older XLS format opens in Compatibility Mode and modern commands are missing.
- Observed behavior
- The workbook shows Compatibility Mode, and newer table features and commands are unavailable until the file is converted to XLSX.
Check the file format under File > Info or in Save As. If the file type is Excel 97-2003 Workbook (*.xls) or the title bar shows Compatibility Mode, convert it to Excel Workbook (*.xlsx) to restore current features.
Convert the Workbook by Saving As Excel Workbook (*.xlsx)
Best for most users: save the current .xls file in the modern .xlsx format to remove Compatibility Mode permanently.
Compatibility Mode appears because the workbook is still in the older Excel 97-2003 format. Saving as .xlsx allows modern table features, co-authoring, and newer functions.
Open the workbook that displays Compatibility Mode in the title bar in WPS Office Spreadsheets or Microsoft Excel.
Click the File menu in Excel, or the Menu button in WPS Spreadsheets.
Select Save As and pick a destination folder or current folder.
In the Save as type or File Type dropdown, choose Excel Workbook (*.xlsx), then click Save.
Close and reopen the new .xlsx file. Compatibility Mode is removed and modern commands are enabled.
Use Excel’s File > Info > Convert Command
A one-click option in Microsoft Excel when you do not need to choose a new file name or location.
Check Whether the Command Belongs to Another Office App
Use this if a particular table command is still missing after conversion.
Convert XLS to XLSX and Remove Compatibility Mode in WPS Office Spreadsheets
WPS Office Spreadsheets lets you open the existing .xls workbook and save it as a current .xlsx file, clearing Compatibility Mode while preserving formulas, charts, and formatting. It is free, lightweight, and fully compatible with Microsoft Excel files.
- 1. Open WPS Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office and open the .xls workbook that shows Compatibility Mode.
- 2. Click Menu: Click the Menu button in the top-left corner of the WPS Spreadsheets window.
- 3. Choose Save As: Select Save As and choose Excel Workbook (*.xlsx) from the format list.
- 4. Save and reopen: Save the file to the desired folder, then close and reopen it to confirm Compatibility Mode is removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Excel workbook open in Compatibility Mode?
Compatibility Mode appears when the workbook is saved in the older Excel 97-2003 .xls format. Saving it as Excel Workbook (*.xlsx) removes the mode and restores newer commands.
How do I convert an XLS file to XLSX in WPS Office?
Open the file in WPS Spreadsheets, click Menu > Save As, choose Excel Workbook (*.xlsx), and save. Reopen the new file to confirm the conversion.
Will converting to XLSX change my formulas or formatting?
No. The conversion keeps formulas, charts, formatting, and data, but features that are not supported in the older format become available after conversion.
What should I do if the Convert button is grayed out in Excel?
Check the file type. If it is already .xlsx, conversion is not needed. If it is protected or stored in a restricted location, save a copy locally or unprotect the workbook first.
Why is Split Table still unavailable after converting my workbook?
Split Table is a Microsoft Word command for Word tables, not an Excel workbook command. In Excel, use Split Panes, Freeze Panes, or Text to Columns depending on the task.
