Have you ever encountered problems opening or using Microsoft Excel? Does the app freeze frequently, slow, or not respond? Are you getting annoying error messages or can’t run certain macros or add-ins? If your answer is yes, then you may need to try opening Excel in safe mode.
Safe mode is a special mode that allows you to run Excel with default settings and without additional add-ins, extensions, or templates. That way, you can isolate and identify the cause of the problem you’re facing. You can also repair or restore corrupted settings, remove problematic add-ins, or recover corrupted files.
There are several ways to open Excel in safe mode in Windows, either manually or automatically. In this article, I will explain the steps clearly and in detail. I will also give you some tips and tricks to optimize your Excel performance.
Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
The easiest way to open Excel in safe mode is to use keyboard shortcuts. Here’s how:
- Close all running Excel applications.
- Press the Windows and R keys at the same time to open the Run dialog box.
- Type excel /safe in the text box and press Enter or click OK. Make sure there is a space between the excel and /safe.
- Excel will open in safe mode. You will see the word (Safe Mode) in the Excel window title.
Method 2: Using Command Prompt
Another way to open Excel in safe mode is to use Command Prompt. Command Prompt is an application that lets you run text commands to perform different tasks in Windows. Here’s how:
- Close all running Excel applications.
- Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of the screen and type cmd in the search box. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. You may be asked to enter your password or confirm your choice.
- In the Command Prompt window, type excel /safe and press Enter. Excel will open in safe mode.
Method 3: Using Desktop Shortcuts
The third way to open Excel in safe mode is to create and use desktop shortcuts. Desktop shortcuts are icons that you can click to open a specific application or file. Here’s how:
- Close all running Excel applications.
- Right-click on an empty area on your desktop and select New > Shortcut.
- In the Create Shortcut dialog box, type excel /safe in the text box and click Next.
- Name your shortcut as you wish, such as Excel Safe Mode, and click Finish.
- You’ll see a new shortcut icon on your desktop. Double-click on the icon to open Excel in safe mode.
Method 4: Using Task Manager
The fourth way to open Excel in safe mode is to use Task Manager. Task Manager is an application that displays information about processes, applications, and services that are currently running in Windows. You can also use it to stop or restart the problematic app. Here’s how:
- Close all running Excel applications.
- Press the Ctrl, Shift, and Esc buttons at the same time to open Task Manager. You can also right-click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
- In the Task Manager window, click the File tab and select Run new task.
- In the Create new task dialog box, type excel /safe in the text box and click OK. Excel will open in safe mode.