How to Open XLSB Files with Macros in Excel for Mac and Fix Crashes
Question details
The user needs to open an XLSB (Excel Binary Workbook) file containing macros but experiences application crashes when enabling them.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Opening a macro-enabled binary workbook (.xlsb) using Microsoft 365 on macOS.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Excel crashes immediately after the user selects the option to enable macros within the XLSB file.
Verify that your Microsoft Excel for Mac is updated to the latest version, and ensure the XLSB file comes from a trusted source to avoid potential security risks associated with macros.
Test the XLSB File with Macros Disabled
Opening the workbook with macros disabled helps determine if the application crash is caused by incompatible or corrupt VBA code.
VBA macros written for Windows often contain unsupported COM add-ins or ActiveX controls that cause Excel for Mac to crash.
Isolating the macros will confirm if the file itself is corrupt or if the issue lies strictly within the script.
Open the Excel menu at the top left of your screen and select 'About Excel' to display your current version. Ensure you are running version 16.58 or later.
Double-click the XLSB file to open it. When the security warning dialog appears prompting you about macros, click the 'Disable Macros' button.
If the file opens successfully and Excel remains stable, the crash is being triggered by the VBA code. You will need to edit the macros to remove Windows-specific commands.
Review the Excel Crash Report
Extracting the crash log provides technical details about why Excel for Mac is failing when executing the binary workbook's macros.
Try WPS Office to Open Spreadsheets Seamlessly
If Microsoft Excel for Mac continuously crashes when handling large binary workbooks, WPS Office offers a highly compatible and stable alternative. It handles various spreadsheet formats effortlessly without heavy resource consumption.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office application for Mac from the official website and install it.
- 2. Open your spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets, click 'Open', and select your XLSB file to view your data without unexpected crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Apple Numbers open XLSB files?
No, Apple Numbers does not support the Excel binary workbook (.xlsb) format. You must use Microsoft Excel, WPS Office, or another compatible spreadsheet application to open these files.
Why do XLSB macros cause Excel for Mac to crash?
Macros in XLSB files often crash Excel for Mac if the VBA code contains Windows-specific libraries, ActiveX controls, or COM add-ins that the macOS environment does not support.
What is an XLSB file format?
An XLSB file is a Microsoft Excel Binary Workbook. Unlike standard XLSX files that use an XML structure, XLSB files store data in a binary format. This makes them significantly faster to open, save, and process, especially for large datasets.
Can I run macros in Excel for the web?
No. While you can open and view the contents of an XLSB file using Excel for the web (via SharePoint or OneDrive), the web version does not support the execution of VBA macros.
