Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Excel Opening in Arabic Instead of English

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing a localized language issue where new Excel workbooks default to an Arabic interface when generated from the desktop context menu, despite the main application opening in English.

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Creating a new Excel file using the Windows desktop right-click 'New' menu.
Observed behavior: The newly created Excel document opens with Arabic language settings, overriding the English configuration specified in the main Office and Windows environment.

Before you start

Verify that your Windows system language and regional formats are correctly set to English, and ensure all active Microsoft Office applications are closed before making changes.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure Excel Language Preferences

Set English as the strict default for both display and authoring directly within Excel Options to override incorrect regional defaults.

Launch Excel in English

Open Microsoft Excel from the Start menu or desktop application icon so that it launches in English.

Open Language Options

Click on 'File' in the top ribbon, select 'Options' at the bottom left, and then navigate to the 'Language' tab in the left sidebar.

Set English as Preferred

Under both 'Office display language' and 'Office authoring languages and proofing tools', select 'English' and click the 'Set as Preferred' button.

Remove Unused Languages

If you see an Arabic language pack listed in either section, select it and click the 'Remove' button, then restart Microsoft Office to apply the changes.

Language Pack Removed: Removing unused language packs often instantly resolves conflicts in the Windows context menu.

Solution 2

Clean Reinstall Microsoft Office

If adjusting language preferences fails, performing a clean uninstallation removes the stubborn registry templates causing the right-click menu to default to Arabic.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Seamless, Bug-Free Experience

If Microsoft Office language settings keep conflicting with your Windows right-click menu, try WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight alternative that offers perfect format compatibility, a familiar interface, and straightforward language management without complex registry glitches.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for Windows.
2. Install and Select Language: Run the lightweight installer and select English as your primary language during the setup process.
3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Set WPS Office as your default application and open your existing .xlsx files instantly with complete formatting compatibility.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) files and formulasEasy, bug-free language settings managementLightweight installation with zero Windows context menu conflictsFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate tabbed interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel open in Arabic only when using the Windows 'New' menu?

The Windows 'New' context menu relies on a hidden template file stored in your system folders. If this template was originally created with Arabic defaults or modified by an Arabic language pack, new files generated this way will bypass the main application's display settings and open in Arabic.

Can I fix the Excel 'New' menu without reinstalling Office?

Yes, often simply navigating to Excel's Language Options, setting English as the strict preferred language for both display and authoring, and removing any Arabic language packs is enough to overwrite the incorrect template.

Will using the Microsoft uninstall tool delete my existing Excel files?

No. Uninstalling Microsoft Office only removes the application software and system cache. Your personal Excel workbooks (.xlsx), documents, and folders remain safely stored on your hard drive.

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