Office Apps Not Opening

How to Fix Excel and Access Not Opening After a Windows Update

Maira Mehtab Oct 7, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user is unable to launch Microsoft Excel and Access after installing a recent Windows update, even when attempting to open the applications in Safe Mode.

How to Fix Excel and Access Not Opening After a Windows Update

Product: Microsoft Office Professional 2016
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to open Excel or Access spreadsheets and databases following a recent Windows OS system update.
Observed behavior: Excel and Access fail to start or launch completely, while Word and PowerPoint continue to function normally. Excel also refuses to start in Safe Mode.

Before you start

Ensure your computer has an active internet connection, as advanced repair options require downloading replacement files from Microsoft, and save any ongoing work in Word or PowerPoint before proceeding.

Solution 1Recommended

Run an Office Program Repair from Control Panel

Using the built-in Windows repair tool is the most reliable way to fix corrupted Office program files caused by recent system updates.

Since Excel fails to open even in Safe Mode, the issue is likely rooted in corrupted core application files or a system-level glitch rather than a conflicting add-in. Running a Quick Repair or an Online Repair will restore these essential files without deleting your personal data.

Open Programs and Features

Click the Start menu, type 'Control Panel', and press Enter. Change the view to Large Icons, then click on 'Programs and Features'.

Locate Microsoft Office

Scroll through the list of installed applications until you find 'Microsoft Office Professional 2016' or your specific Office version.

Modify the Installation

Right-click the Microsoft Office entry and select 'Change'. If prompted by the User Account Control, click 'Yes' to allow changes.

Execute Quick Repair

Select the 'Quick Repair' option and click 'Repair'. Wait for the process to finish and try opening Excel. If the apps still do not open, repeat this process and choose 'Online Repair'.

Run an Office Program Repair from Control Panel

Online Repair Requires Internet: The Online Repair option is more thorough and reinstalls the core files, but it requires a stable internet connection and may take longer to complete.

Solution 2

Install Pending Windows and Office Updates

Microsoft often releases subsequent patch updates to fix compatibility bugs introduced by previous updates.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Stable, Hassle-Free Spreadsheet Experience

If Windows updates frequently break your Microsoft Office installation, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, highly stable, and completely free alternative that opens and edits all your existing Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint files natively without the headache of constant repair loops.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Free Download' button.
2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions.
3. Open Your Excel Files: Right-click any problematic Excel file, choose 'Open with', and select WPS Office to view and edit your data instantly.

Seamless compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) and other Office formatsLightweight installation with lightning-fast application startup timesFree to use with a familiar, tabbed interface for a zero-learning-curve migrationHighly stable and less prone to system update conflicts compared to older Office versions

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel fail to open even in Safe Mode?

If an application fails to launch in Safe Mode, it typically indicates that the core program files, dependencies, or registry keys have been corrupted—usually by a failed or conflicting system update—rather than being caused by a faulty third-party add-in.

Will running an Office Repair delete my personal files?

No. The Repair tool in Windows only checks and replaces corrupted application files belonging to Microsoft Office. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and databases are completely safe and will not be affected.

Can third-party antivirus software block Excel and Access from opening?

Yes. Sometimes, security software may incorrectly flag a newly updated Office executable file as a threat, preventing it from launching. You can try temporarily disabling your antivirus to see if the applications open normally.

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