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How to Fix Excel for Mac 'Open Recent > More' Greyed Out
Question details
The user is unable to access additional recent files because the 'More' option under the 'Open Recent' menu is unavailable.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS Ventura
- Scenario
- Attempting to access a longer history of recent files from the Excel menu after a system update or unexpected application behavior.
- Observed behavior
- The 'File > Open Recent > More' option is greyed out and unclickable, preventing the user from viewing the extended recent files list.
Ensure that Microsoft Excel is fully updated to the latest version and verify that your Recent Files list is not completely empty before proceeding with preference resets.
Reset Excel Preferences by Removing the .plist File
Clearing corrupted preference files is the most effective way to restore the greyed-out 'More' option in the recent files menu.
A corrupted property list (.plist) file can often cause specific menu options in Mac applications to become unresponsive or greyed out. Deleting this file forces Excel to generate a fresh, error-free preferences file upon the next launch.
Ensure that Excel is completely closed. If it is open, right-click the Excel icon in the Dock and select 'Quit'.
Open Finder, click the 'Go' menu in the top menu bar, and hold down the 'Option' key to reveal the hidden 'Library' option. Click it to open the Library folder.
In the Library folder, locate and open the 'Preferences' folder. Alternatively, use 'Go to Folder' and enter '~/Library/Preferences/'.
Find the file named 'com.microsoft.Excel.plist' and drag it to the Trash. You may be prompted to enter your Mac administrator password to confirm the deletion.
Relaunch Microsoft Excel, click on 'File', navigate to 'Open Recent', and check if the 'More' option is now active and clickable.
Perform Basic Application Checks
Sometimes the issue is caused by a temporary application glitch or an outdated software version rather than deep corruption.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Mac Spreadsheet Experience
If you frequently encounter corrupted preferences, greyed-out menus, or update glitches in Microsoft Excel for Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight alternative for creating, editing, and managing your spreadsheets without the hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'More' option in Open Recent greyed out?
This issue typically occurs due to a corrupted Excel preference file (com.microsoft.Excel.plist), an incomplete software update, or a temporary interface glitch in macOS.
Will deleting the .plist file delete my Excel spreadsheets?
No. Deleting the preference file only resets Excel's customized application settings (like window sizing, toolbars, or default views) to their original factory defaults. Your saved spreadsheets and data remain completely untouched.
Where can I find the Library folder on macOS Ventura?
To access the hidden Library folder, open a Finder window, click 'Go' in the top menu bar, and press and hold the 'Option' key. The 'Library' folder will dynamically appear in the dropdown menu for you to select.
