Office Settings & Configuration

How to Open Excel Workbooks in Separate Windows or Instances

Maira Mehtab Oct 10, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user wants to open multiple Excel workbooks in completely separate windows or application instances so that closing one workbook does not automatically close the others.

How to Open Excel Workbooks in Separate Windows or Instances

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Viewing or comparing multiple Excel files simultaneously without linking their window controls or application instances.
Observed behavior: By default, workbooks may open in the same application instance, meaning they share the same taskbar grouping or close together. The goal is to separate them into distinct, independent windows.

Before you start

Ensure that your current workbooks are saved before opening new instances to prevent any accidental data loss while managing multiple windows.

Solution 1Recommended

Open Separate Excel Instances via the Taskbar or Start Menu

This method forces Excel to launch a completely independent application instance, ensuring each workbook acts independently.

Opening files from within the same Excel window usually groups them in the same instance. By launching a fresh instance from your system menu first, you isolate the new workbook's window and taskbar entry.

Open the first workbook

Launch Excel and open your first workbook normally by double-clicking the file.

Launch a new Excel instance

Go to your Windows Start menu or right-click the Excel icon on your taskbar, then click on the 'Excel' application icon to open a completely new, blank instance.

Open the second workbook

In the newly opened Excel window, click on 'File' > 'Open' and browse to select the second workbook you want to view.

Open Separate Excel Instances via the Taskbar or Start Menu

Independent Taskbar Entries: Each instance will now have its own separate window and taskbar entry, meaning closing one will not affect the other.

Solution 2

Create a New Window for the Same Workbook

Use this method if you need to view different sheets or sections of the exact same workbook simultaneously.

Efficient Spreadsheet Management

Easily Manage Multiple Workbooks with WPS Office

WPS Office simplifies document management by offering an intuitive tabbed interface, similar to a web browser. You can easily view multiple spreadsheets in one window or seamlessly drag a tab out to open it in a separate, independent window for side-by-side comparison.

1. Open files in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open multiple spreadsheet files. They will open in a single window as convenient tabs.
2. Select the tab to separate: Click and hold the specific spreadsheet tab at the top of the interface that you want to move to a new window.
3. Drag to a new window: Drag your cursor downwards outside of the tab bar area and release your mouse button.
4. Manage independent windows: The spreadsheet will instantly pop out into its own separate window, allowing you to close or minimize it without affecting your other open files.

Drag and drop spreadsheet tabs to instantly create separate windows.Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv).Navigate multiple files effortlessly with a built-in tabbed reading interface.Lightweight software that consumes minimal system resources.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I view two spreadsheets side-by-side in the same instance?

Yes, you can use the 'View Side by Side' feature under the View tab in Excel. This allows you to compare two open workbooks synchronously and even scroll through them simultaneously without needing completely separate application instances.

Why do my Excel files always open in the same window?

By default, newer versions of Excel open files in the same instance to save system memory and streamline the user interface. If you want them separated, you must manually start a new instance from the Start menu or taskbar before opening the next file.

Is there a keyboard shortcut to force a new instance of Excel?

Yes. You can hold down the 'Alt' key on your keyboard while clicking the Excel icon on your taskbar. Keep holding 'Alt' until a prompt appears asking if you want to start a new instance, then click 'Yes'.

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