Office Compatibility Issues

How to Fix Microsoft Edge Opening Multiple Windows for Excel Files

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

Microsoft Edge repeatedly opens new windows in an infinite loop when a user attempts to open an Excel file from OneDrive.

Fix Microsoft Edge Opening Multiple Windows When Opening Excel Files

Product: Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Opening an Excel file stored on OneDrive directly from the web browser instead of launching it natively from the desktop application.
Observed behavior: Instead of opening the spreadsheet normally, Microsoft Edge malfunctions and continuously opens multiple new browser windows or tabs without successfully loading the file.

Before you start

Ensure that your Windows operating system, Microsoft Edge browser, and Microsoft Office suite are all updated to their latest versions, and have your Microsoft account credentials ready in case a software reinstall is required.

Solution 1Recommended

Repair or Reinstall Microsoft Office

Fixing the core Microsoft Office installation often resolves broken protocol handlers that cause the browser window loop.

When the connection between the web browser and the desktop app is corrupted, repairing the Office installation restores the proper file associations and protocol handlers.

Open the Control Panel

Press the Windows key, type 'Control Panel' in the search bar, and press Enter. Navigate to 'Programs' and then click on 'Programs and Features'.

Run the Office Repair Tool

Locate Microsoft Office in the list of installed applications. Right-click it and select 'Change'. Choose the 'Online Repair' option and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.

Reinstall Office (If Necessary)

If repairing does not resolve the issue, return to 'Programs and Features', uninstall Microsoft Office entirely, restart your computer, and download a fresh installer from your Microsoft account.

Restart Required: Always restart your computer after performing a repair or reinstallation to ensure all system registry changes take effect.

Solution 2

Test with a Different Browser or User Profile

Determine if the glitch is isolated to Microsoft Edge or your specific Windows user account.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Avoid Browser Glitches with WPS Office

Tired of dealing with browser loops and complex OneDrive compatibility issues? Switch to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, reliable desktop alternative that opens your spreadsheets natively and seamlessly without relying on unstable browser protocol handlers.

1. Download and Install: Visit the WPS Office website to download the free installation package and install it on your computer.
2. Open Your Files Natively: Launch WPS Spreadsheets, click 'Open', and select your downloaded Excel file to view and edit it without browser interference.

100% compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv).Avoids browser-dependent loops by utilizing a stable, standalone desktop application.Free to use with a familiar, easy-to-learn interface.Lightweight installation that runs smoothly even on older Windows machines.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Edge keep opening infinite tabs when I click an Excel link?

This typically occurs when the protocol handler—the background system linking the web browser to the Excel desktop application—is broken or corrupted. Edge repeatedly tries and fails to pass the file to Excel, resulting in a loop of new windows.

How do I force OneDrive Excel files to open in the desktop app instead of the browser?

You can bypass the browser by right-clicking the file within your OneDrive online directory, selecting 'Open', and specifically choosing 'Open in app'. You can also change your default document handling settings in your Microsoft 365 online portal.

Will clearing my browser cache fix the multiple windows issue?

It can help if the problem is caused by a corrupted browser cookie or misconfigured site permission. Go to Edge Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data to remove cached files and cookies.

Office App Problems