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How to Open Multiple Excel Files or Windows on an Android Tablet
Question details
The user is attempting to open multiple Excel files in separate windows on an Android tablet but receives an error message preventing the action.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel for Android
- Device & OS
- Android (Samsung Galaxy S10 Ultra)
- Scenario
- Trying to multitask by opening a second spreadsheet or multiple independent Excel windows simultaneously on an Android device.
- Observed behavior
- The application displays an 'Excel is already running' error and restricts the user from launching a second instance of the app.
Verify if your Android tablet supports native multi-window or split-screen features, as this will help you utilize multitasking workarounds.
Use Android Split-Screen with a Browser
Bypass the single-app limitation by viewing one file in the Excel app and the other in a mobile web browser.
Because Microsoft 365 apps on Android run as a single process, they cannot open two instances of the same app natively. However, you can use your tablet's split-screen function alongside a web version of Office.
Launch the Microsoft Excel app on your tablet and open your first spreadsheet.
Ensure your second Excel file is saved to OneDrive or another accessible cloud storage.
Open your tablet's recent apps menu, tap the Excel app icon, and select 'Open in split screen view'.
Select your web browser for the other half of the screen, navigate to Office for the web, and open your second spreadsheet.
Switch Between Files Using the In-App File Picker
Navigate between multiple spreadsheets sequentially within the single Excel app process.
Switch to Desktop Office Versions
Use a desktop computer for full multi-instance support and native side-by-side spreadsheet comparisons.
Manage Multiple Spreadsheets Easily with WPS Office Tabs
If you are frustrated by the single-window limitation of Microsoft Excel on Android, switch to WPS Office. WPS Office for Android features a built-in tabbed interface, allowing you to open and switch between multiple spreadsheets effortlessly within one application.
- 1. Install the App: Download and install WPS Office directly from the Google Play Store on your Android tablet.
- 2. Open the First Document: Launch WPS Office and open your first spreadsheet from your local storage or connected cloud drive.
- 3. Add Another Document: Tap the '+' icon or navigate back to the file manager to open a second spreadsheet.
- 4. Switch Using Tabs: Use the document tabs located at the top of the interface to quickly switch between your active files, much like a web browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel display 'Excel is already running' on my tablet?
This error appears because the Microsoft 365 mobile apps (including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) are designed to run as a single process. The mobile app architecture does not support launching multiple independent windows or instances simultaneously like the desktop versions do.
Do Microsoft Word and PowerPoint have the same multi-window limitation on Android?
Yes. Microsoft Word and PowerPoint for Android share the same single-process design as Excel. You will encounter a similar 'already running' message if you attempt to open multiple instances of those applications.
Can I use split-screen mode on my Samsung tablet to open two Excel files?
You cannot open the Excel app twice in split-screen mode. However, you can open the Excel app on one side of the screen and use a web browser logged into Office Online on the other side to view two files simultaneously.
Is there a setting I can change to enable multiple windows in Excel for Android?
No, this is a structural limitation of the Microsoft app design rather than a configurable setting. If you require document tabs or multi-file viewing on Android, you will need to use alternative software like WPS Office.
