How to Fix Excel Crashing When Selecting Open or Browse
Question details
Users experience sudden application crashes in Microsoft Excel without error messages when attempting to open or browse for a file.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365)
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to open an existing file or browse local and network file locations within the Excel application.
- Observed behavior
- Excel abruptly closes without displaying any error prompt or crash dialog. This behavior is linked to specific builds and continues to happen even when running the application in Safe Mode.
Before proceeding with software updates or repairs, ensure all your current unsaved work in other Microsoft Office applications (like Word or PowerPoint) is saved and closed.
Update Microsoft 365 to the Latest Version
Installing the latest Office update is the easiest way to resolve bugs and stability issues specific to your current build.
Microsoft frequently releases patches for known issues. A newer version, such as 2206 Build 15330.20230, includes fixes that specifically address the crashing behavior when browsing files.
Open the Microsoft Excel application. You can open a blank workbook if necessary to access the top menu.
Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the window, then select 'Account' from the bottom-left menu options.
Click on the 'Update Options' button located next to Office Updates, and select 'Update Now' from the drop-down menu.
Wait for the updates to download and install in the background, then restart Excel to check if the crashing issue is resolved.
Repair or Reinstall Microsoft 365 Apps
If updating does not work, repairing or completely reinstalling the Office suite can fix corrupted installation files causing the crash.
Revert Office to a Previous Build via ODT
If a recent update introduced the crashing issue and a fix is not yet available, reverting to an older, stable version using the Office Deployment Tool is a viable workaround.
Use WPS Office as a Stable and Free Alternative
If Microsoft Excel continues to crash or you prefer not to deal with complex Deployment Tool configurations, WPS Office offers a highly compatible and free alternative. You can smoothly open, edit, and manage your spreadsheets without worrying about unexpected application crashes.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button to get the installer.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing Excel files directly to continue your work uninterrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel crash without giving an error message?
Silent crashes in Excel are often caused by specific bugs in an Office build update (such as version 16.0.15225.20278), conflicting background processes, or deeply corrupted installation files that force the program to terminate unexpectedly.
Will opening Excel in Safe Mode stop it from crashing when browsing files?
In the case of this specific Microsoft 365 build bug, Excel may still crash even when opened in Safe Mode. This indicates a core structural issue with the current version's code rather than a problem caused by a third-party add-in.
Will I lose my Excel files if I reinstall Microsoft 365?
No, repairing or reinstalling Microsoft 365 only replaces the core application program files. Your personal spreadsheets and documents saved on your local hard drive or in OneDrive will remain completely unaffected.
