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How to Fix Excel Opening in Arabic and Right-to-Left Mode
Question details
New Excel workbooks created via the right-click desktop menu open with Arabic settings and a right-to-left layout.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel (Office 2021)
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Creating a new Excel workbook by right-clicking the Windows desktop and selecting New > Microsoft Excel Worksheet.
- Observed behavior
- The newly created workbook opens with Arabic sheet names, right-to-left column formatting, and tabs on the right side. Workbooks launched directly from the Start menu behave normally.
Ensure all running instances of Microsoft Excel are completely closed before modifying template or configuration files in your system directories.
Reset Local Excel Template Files
Removing or renaming the default Excel template files forces Excel to recreate them with standard settings, resolving the right-click desktop creation bug.
When you create a file from the desktop context menu, Windows uses a specific template file. If this template is corrupted or saved with right-to-left regional settings, all new desktop files will inherit this behavior.
Open File Explorer and paste 'C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel\' into the address bar. If you are not logged in as Administrator, replace 'Administrator' with your actual Windows username.
Look for default template files such as Book.xltx, Sheet.xltx, or the Excel15.xlb configuration file within this directory.
Right-click the template files and select 'Rename' to add '.old' to the end of the file name (e.g., Book.xltx.old). Alternatively, you can delete them. Excel will automatically generate fresh, default files the next time it runs.
Return to your Windows desktop, right-click an empty space, select New > Microsoft Excel Worksheet, and open the new file to verify the layout has returned to left-to-right English.
Verify Regional and Language Settings
Incorrect regional settings or accidentally applied language packs can force right-to-left display modes in Office applications.
Check Local Group Policies with IT
If you are using a managed company computer, an organizational policy might be altering your desktop shortcut behaviors or template settings.
Switch to WPS Office for a Bug-Free Spreadsheet Experience
If Microsoft Excel continues to experience frustrating layout bugs and regional template conflicts, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative with a familiar interface that bypasses complex Windows registry and template issues.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for Windows.
- 2. Install and Set as Default: Run the installer and optionally set WPS Spreadsheets as your default application for opening .xlsx files.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Right-click your desktop to create new WPS Spreadsheets instantly, free from legacy Office template bugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel only open in right-to-left mode when created from the desktop?
When you right-click the desktop to create a new Excel file, Windows uses a specific blank template file (often stored in the AppData directory or Windows ShellNew folder). If this specific template was accidentally saved with Arabic settings or a right-to-left layout, only files created this way will be affected, while opening Excel from the Start menu creates a fresh instance.
How do I change the default sheet direction directly inside Excel?
You can change the default display direction by going to File > Options > Advanced. Scroll down to the 'Display' section and select 'Left-to-right' under the 'Default direction' setting. You will need to restart Excel for the changes to take effect.
Will deleting Excel template files delete my saved spreadsheets?
No. Deleting or renaming files in the AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel\ folder only removes the default configuration and blank templates used to generate new files. Your personal spreadsheets and saved workbooks stored in your Documents or Desktop folders will not be affected.
