Everybody runs into software trouble from time to time. From programs that won’t boot up to the dreaded freezing screen, some things might feel beyond your scope of knowledge. Some of the most common troubleshooting problems might include solutions like running an antivirus program or even reinstalling the operating system (OS) if the issue is severe enough. However, very few computer problems compare to the frustration most people feel when dealing with a Microsoft Excel program that simply refuses to cooperate. Here, we’ll teach you some fixes for when Excel isn’t working on your Windows 10 OS.

The Importance of the Right Hardware

For many people, Excel or other Microsoft Office program issues don’t stem from the software itself but the computer’s performance. It may be worth it to take some preventative measures in the future so that you don’t run into similar problems.

There are minimum requirements that computers should have to run basic programs like Excel. Not only should they be able to run operating systems like Windows 10 or newer, but their processor and overall build should be good enough to handle multitasking with different programs, including Excel. It would be best to invest in an i5 quad-core processor or higher rather than settling for a laptop or desktop model with an i3 processor to ensure your computer runs smoothly.

Additionally, your device’s printed circuit board (PCB) should also have the appropriate design to ensure strong and consistent performance. Even smaller and thinner laptops running Windows 10 perform more efficiently due to high-density interconnect PCBs, which allow the circuit board of the laptop to be denser and handle more complex functions. These boards also have high layer counts with very small traces and vias that allow them to be smaller without compromising on speed or performance. Investing in a device with these features will give you the guarantee of being able to run Excel as well as multiple other programs at the same time.

However, there are several other reasons why Excel might not be working properly on Windows 10. It may not have been updated or installed correctly on your laptop. It’s also possible that your Excel files have been corrupted or that third-party applications are interfering with the program. Microsoft Office may also be running on compatibility mode for the previous version of Excel rather than the current version in Windows.

How to Fix Excel on Windows 10

Whatever the case, there are several ways you can try to fix Excel if it isn’t working:

Run Excel on Safe Mode. If Microsoft Excel still isn’t responding even after you’d updated your OS, then run the program on safe mode. To do so, press the Windows + R key and type in “excel.exe /safe.” This should open the command prompt dialogue box that will allow you to click “OK.” Next, open the Excel file that isn’t responding.

Repair Microsoft Office. Sometimes the issue may be due to damaged or corrupted files. This issue can be resolved by using the Repair option of the Microsoft Office Program on your system. To do this, go to Control Panel, select Programs and Features, right-click on Microsoft Office and select Repair.

Fix a Particular Excel File. If Excel is working just fine on your laptop and PC except for a few files that aren’t responding, then you can clear the conditional formatting on that particular spreadsheet. On your spreadsheet, simply choose the Home tab, click on Conditional Formatting, then clear the rules from the entire sheet.