Excel Only Opens in Safe Mode: How to Fix It on Windows 11

Try these easy fixes if Excel only opens in Safe Mode

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Excel is a resourceful app that offers many features to help users with their sheet documents and other tools. It has a native app that runs on different operating systems. However, users report problems with Excel only opening in Safe Mode on Windows 11.

Also, users complain about theExcel toolbar not working, preventing them from accessing some Excel features.

Why does Excel only open in Safe Mode?

Running into problems with launching apps on your PC indicates that something obstructs the regular launch. It causesExcel not to respond, then recommends starting in Safe Mode.

Furthermore, some notable factors that can cause Excel to only open in Safe Mode are:

Other factors not mentioned here may be responsible for Excel only opening in Safe Mode on your PC. Nonetheless, we’ll take you through some fixes for the issue.

How do I stop Excel from opening in Safe Mode?

Before proceeding with any advanced steps for fixing Excel, try the following:

If the problem persists, proceed with these advanced solutions.

1. Repair Microsoft Office

Repairing Microsoft Office fixes any missing or corrupt app file that may impede Excel from normally starting, causing it to only work in Safe Mode. Read our guide onadding the Run command to the Start menuin Windows 11.

2. Download the latest updates for Excel

If any update is available, it will automatically install it. The update fixes bugs and installs the latest features for Excel to improve its functionality.

3. Start Excel in Safe Mode and Disable the Excel Add-Ins

Starting Excel in Safe Mode fixes interference from third-party apps. Also, disabling the Add-ins will fix any issues with corrupt add-ins.

4. Reinstall Excel

We hope our guide helped you fix Excel if it only opens in Safe Mode. You should also consult our guide onhow to fix Microsoft Excel if it can access files.

If you know any other methods of fixing this problem or you have any questions, address them in the comments section below.

Excel Only Opens in Safe Mode: How to Fix It on Windows 11#

Why does Excel only open in Safe Mode?#

How do I stop Excel from opening in Safe Mode?#

1. Repair Microsoft Office#

2. Download the latest updates for Excel#

3. Start Excel in Safe Mode and Disable the Excel Add-Ins#

4. Reinstall Excel#