Office Apps Freezing

How to Fix Excel Stuck at 0% When Opening Files

Muhammad Talha Oct 10, 2026 871 views

Question details

Users are unable to open Excel or CSV files because the application freezes at a 0% loading screen, particularly after a recent Microsoft 365 update.

How to Fix Excel Stuck at 0% When Opening Files

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Opening existing spreadsheets or CSV files, including those launched directly from Outlook email attachments.
Observed behavior: Excel hangs indefinitely at 0% progress upon opening a file, rendering files that previously worked perfectly completely inaccessible.

Before you start

Ensure you have saved your work in any other open applications and check your Task Manager to close any hidden background instances of Excel before beginning the troubleshooting steps.

Solution 1Recommended

Start Excel in Safe Mode to Identify Add-in Conflicts

Running Excel in Safe Mode temporarily disables add-ins and custom settings, helping you determine if a third-party extension is causing the application to freeze.

Recent Microsoft 365 updates can sometimes introduce compatibility issues with existing Excel add-ins. Booting in Safe Mode bypasses these add-ins, allowing the file to load normally.

Open the Run Dialog

Press the Windows key + R simultaneously on your keyboard to open the Run command window.

Launch Excel in Safe Mode

Type 'excel.exe /safe' in the input box and click OK or press Enter. Excel will open with a 'Safe Mode' indicator in the title bar.

Test the File

Go to File > Open within Excel and navigate to the spreadsheet or CSV that was previously stuck at 0%. If it opens successfully, navigate to File > Options > Add-ins to systematically disable your add-ins and find the culprit.

Start Excel in Safe Mode to Identify Add-in Conflicts

Identify the Problematic Add-in: If the file opens without freezing in Safe Mode, the issue is definitely caused by an active add-in. Disable them one by one to isolate the exact extension causing the problem.

Solution 2

Run a Repair on Microsoft 365

If Safe Mode does not resolve the issue, repairing your Office installation can fix corrupted system files causing Excel to hang at 0%.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Open Your Spreadsheets Instantly with WPS Office

If Microsoft Excel continues to freeze at 0% after system updates, you can avoid workflow interruptions by switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, fast, and free alternative that opens your spreadsheets without lag.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
2. Open Your Stuck File: Launch WPS Spreadsheets, click on 'Open', and select the Excel or CSV file that was previously hanging at 0%.
3. Resume Your Work: Your file will open instantly. You can now edit, save, and export your spreadsheet without worrying about update-related freezing.

Extremely fast loading times with no 0% freezing issues.100% compatibility with Microsoft Excel formats including .xlsx, .xls, and .csv.Lightweight application that runs smoothly even on older devices.Free to download and use with a highly familiar user interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel get stuck at 0% specifically when opening Outlook attachments?

This usually happens due to Outlook's Protected View feature conflicting with a recent Microsoft Office update or a third-party antivirus add-in scanning the attachment. Opening Excel in Safe Mode or saving the attachment to your local drive before opening it can bypass this issue.

Will running an Online Repair delete my Excel files or CSV data?

No. Running a Quick Repair or Online Repair for Microsoft 365 only fixes the application's core installation files and registry keys. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and data will remain completely safe and untouched.

Can a Windows or Microsoft 365 update cause Excel to freeze?

Yes. Background updates to Microsoft 365 can sometimes introduce temporary bugs or create compatibility problems with legacy add-ins. This can interrupt the file initialization process, causing the software to hang at the 0% loading screen.

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