How to Find the Excel XLSTART Folder to Print Gridlines by Default
Question details
The user wants to configure Excel to print gridlines by default by placing a customized template in the XLSTART folder, but cannot locate the folder because it is hidden from normal system searches.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up a custom default template so that all newly created Excel workbooks automatically have the 'Print Gridlines' option enabled.
- Observed behavior
- The XLSTART folder is a hidden system directory and does not appear when using standard File Explorer search functions, making it difficult to save the required template.
Before locating the folder, open a blank Excel workbook, go to Page Layout, check 'Print' under Gridlines, and have it ready to be saved as an Excel Template (.xltx).
Access the XLSTART Folder via File Explorer Address Bar
Directly navigate to the hidden folder using a system environment variable to bypass hidden folder restrictions.
Windows hides certain system and application folders by default to prevent accidental modification. Using the %appdata% variable in the address bar allows you to jump directly into these hidden directories without needing to change your system-wide folder view settings.
Launch File Explorer on your computer by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar or pressing the Windows Key + E.
Click on the address bar at the top of the File Explorer window to select the current path. Type %appdata%\microsoft\excel\xlstart and press the Enter key.
Once the XLSTART folder opens, paste your customized Excel template (named Book.xltx) into this location. Excel will now use this template for all new workbooks.
Access XLSTART Directly from the Excel Save As Dialog
Save your newly created template directly into the XLSTART folder without having to leave the Excel application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I see the XLSTART folder when searching my computer?
By default, the AppData folder and its subfolders (including XLSTART) are hidden by the Windows operating system to protect application files. You must either enable 'Show hidden files and folders' in your File Explorer settings or navigate directly to the path using the %appdata% shortcut.
What should I name the template file in the XLSTART folder?
To apply your specific settings (like printed gridlines) to all new blank workbooks, you must name the template file exactly 'Book.xltx' (or 'Book.xltm' if it contains macros).
How do I turn on 'Print Gridlines' before saving the template?
Open a blank workbook, navigate to the 'Page Layout' tab on the ribbon, locate the 'Sheet Options' group, and check the 'Print' box under the 'Gridlines' section. Once checked, you can proceed to save the workbook as a template in the XLSTART folder.
