How to make Excel 2016 the default app to open xls and xlsx data files

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  1. Posts : 157
    Windows 10 Home 64-bit
       #1

    How to make Excel 2016 the default app to open xls and xlsx data files


    I know how I'm supposed to do it, SETTINGS==>DEFAULT APPS==>CHOOSE THE DEFAULT APP BY FILE TYPE, but Excel 2016 is not an option. Instead, it tries to send me to the App Store. I think I have tried everything except reinstalling Office.
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  2. Posts : 15,426
    Windows10
       #2

    socklosk said:
    I know how I'm supposed to do it, SETTINGS==>DEFAULT APPS==>CHOOSE THE DEFAULT APP BY FILE TYPE, but Excel 2016 is not an option. Instead, it tries to send me to the App Store. I think I have tried everything except reinstalling Office.
    Use Control panel, default programs, associate a file type - you have more options to select version.

    If your 2016 is the desktop version, you have to bury into menus by clicking more apps and scrolling until you find "look for another app on this pc", and then navigate to the 2016 excel executable.
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  3. Posts : 157
    Windows 10 Home 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    That did it! Thanks!
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  4. Posts : 2
    windows 10
       #4

    cereberus said:
    Use Control panel, default programs, associate a file type - you have more options to select version.

    If your 2016 is the desktop version, you have to bury into menus by clicking more apps and scrolling until you find "look for another app on this pc", and then navigate to the 2016 excel executable.
    I do not get the option to look for another app on the pc, I get the option to look for an app in the app store.

    Why is Microsoft trying to be Apple ?
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  5. Posts : 13,848
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #5

    john kingston said:
    I do not get the option to look for another app on the pc, I get the option to look for an app in the app store.

    Why is Microsoft trying to be Apple ?
    Have you tried going into Control Panel, Default Programs and making changes there to set the file type/s to open as desired?
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  6. Posts : 2
    windows 10
       #6

    For some reason it wont update the setting for Excel 2016 to open .xls files

    Default Apps
    Set default by app
    Excel 2016
    Choose defaults for this program
    tick .xls Microsoft Excel 97-2003
    Current default - unknown application
    save

    Does not update the current default from unknown application

    (unfortunately I dont know how to screen dump the screen I am looking at )

    John
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  7. Posts : 4
    Win 10
       #7

    I am having the exact same issue as John posted above.
    I've tried the above option as well as changing the protected view settings - nothing works. This is extremely annoying and I agree with an earlier poster who said "Why is Microsoft trying to be Apple" If you have a product that works please keep it operating in the same fundamental manner. I don't want to go to the $^%# app store. Any assistance will be well received. Here is a screen shot:

    How to make Excel 2016 the default app to open xls and xlsx data files-image.png
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails How to make Excel 2016 the default app to open xls and xlsx data files-image.png  
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  8. Posts : 6,741
    22H2 64 Bit Pro
       #8

    You are supposed to double click on the entry for .xls in control Panel > Set Associations and in the window that opens choose "More Apps" then in the file explorer window that opens up browse to the Excel executable and select it.

    How to make Excel 2016 the default app to open xls and xlsx data files-set-associations.png
    How to make Excel 2016 the default app to open xls and xlsx data files-set-associations-2.png

    See: Cant find Office applications in Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7? - Office Support

    So launch Excel and leave it running. Start Task Manager [Ctrl+Shift+Esc]

    In task manager processes tab scroll to excel.exe and right click on it. Choose "open file location" from the list and in the window that opens locate excel.exe and note the folder path. Use that path to browse to the executable in the step above that mentions browsing to the executable.
    Last edited by Brink; 12 Aug 2017 at 14:09. Reason: fixed attachments
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  9. Posts : 4
    Win 10
       #9

    Callender said:
    You are supposed to double click on the entry for .xls in control Panel > Set Associations and in the window that opens choose "More Apps" then in the file explorer window that opens up browse to the Excel executable and select it.

    How to make Excel 2016 the default app to open xls and xlsx data files-set-associations.png
    How to make Excel 2016 the default app to open xls and xlsx data files-set-associations-2.png

    See: Cant find Office applications in Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7? - Office Support

    So launch Excel and leave it running. Start Task Manager [Ctrl+Shift+Esc]

    In task manager processes tab scroll to excel.exe and right click on it. Choose "open file location" from the list and in the window that opens locate excel.exe and note the folder path. Use that path to browse to the executable in the step above that mentions browsing to the executable.
    Thanks for the info but unfortunately when I double click NOTHING happens
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  10. Posts : 4
    Win 10
       #10

    I really appreciate your help, but I keep getting the pop-up that sends me to the app store
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