Unlock Excel Secrets: 7 Ways for XLSM File Not Opening Issue!

XLSM files are commonly known as Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook files. These files are widely used to store data with embedded macros. However, Excel users often encounter .xlsm file not opening issues. This situation can be frustrating and disturbing. In this blog, I will explore the common reasons behind this hiccup and effective workarounds to troubleshoot it.

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What is .XLSM File in Excel?

An .XLSM file is an Excel file extension or a spreadsheet that includes macros written in (VBA) Visual Basic for Applications language. This file is similar to an XLSX file, but the only difference is that XLSM files accomplish embedded macros programmed in the VBA language.

Moreover, it is a very useful file extension that makes the task easy for the users and enhances the spreadsheet functionality.

Why XLSM File Not Opening?

There could be various reasons that can lead to can’t open XLSM file issue. But below I have listed the major causes:

  1. Incompatible Excel Version- If your Excel version is outdated or incompatible with the macros contained in the .xlsm file, it can result in this problem.
  2. Excel Workbook Corruption- When an Excel (XLSM) file is corrupted, it may cause an error when opening the file.
  3. Security Settings: Incorrect security settings in Excel may stop the execution of macros in the file.

Workarounds to Fix XLSM Not Opening In Excel

Well, the XLSM files possibly store and execute harmful, malicious code through macros. So, it is very important to be cautious while opening the executable XLSM file format especially if you received it through email or downloaded from a third-party website.

Please Note: It is advised to avoid opening the workbook directly from the email message. First, save it to a folder on the hard disk then open the saved workbook.

Now, let’s check out the below-given tricks on how to open XLSM file when Excel refuses to open it.

Workaround 1-  Add a New Location

The very first solution to overcome this situation is to add a new location in Excel to open the file again. Here’s the complete steps to do this:

  • First, close the workbook
  • Now choose File > Options > in the navigation pane choose ‘Trust Center’
  • Click ‘Trust Center Settings…’

XLSM File Not Opening

  • Then choose ‘Trusted Locations’ > click ‘Add new location…’
  • And enter the folder path where you saved the workbook. (utilize browse button to locate it)
  • Click OK > Reopen the workbook.

Add new location

Now, check whether the XLSM file won’t open in the Excel issue is resolved or not. If not then try the second solution.

Also Read: Fix Personal Macro Workbook Not Opening Issue

Workaround 2- Uninstall the Updates

It is confirmed by the experts that certain updates are causing the issue. So check whether you have installed the recently launched Office updates:

  • KB 3114736
  • Or KB 3114717
  • KB 3114734

If you did, then simply uninstall them, and after that check whether your problem is been resolved or not.

Workaround 3- Update Excel Software

Sometimes, using an outdated version of Excel software can cause compatibility issues with certain file formats or features and cannot open .xlsm file. Therefore, it is important to use the latest Excel version, as it fixes the bugs and improves the spreadsheet experience. To know the complete steps to get the latest Excel version, Click Here.

Workaround 4- Solve .XLSM File Not Opening by Correcting Macro Settings in Excel

You can even correct the macro security settings within Microsoft Excel to get rid of this problem. Follow the below instructions carefully taken from this site:

  • Open Excel >> Options.

Options

  • Then, click on the Trust Center under Excel Options.
  • After this click on Trust Center Settings button >> Macro Settings.

XLSM File Not Opening

  • Now, Enable all macros there.

Enable all macros

Workaround 5- Repair Corrupted Workbook

Corruption in the Excel workbook is the foremost reason for not opening file issues. You can easily repair your corrupted Excel file by using Microsoft’s built-in Open and Repair tool.

Here’s how you can utilize this tool:

  • Open Excel >> Go to the File Open.
  • Navigate to the folder that contains the corrupted document.
  • Under an Open dialog box, choose a corrupted workbook.
  • Now, click the arrow next to an Open button >> Open and Repair.

Open and Repair

  • To recover as much of the spreadsheet data as possible, click Repair.

excel open and repair

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Steps to Utilize MS Excel Repair Tool:

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Workaround 6: Reset File Associations to Fix Can’t Open XLSM File

Try resetting the file associations this worked for many Excel users to fix the issue.

Follow the steps:

  • Go to Control Panel > click Default Programs.

Control Panel

  • Now click on Set your default programs > click Excel

Reset File Associations 2

  • Click Choose Default for this program.
  • Next on the Set Program Associations screen > click Select All > click Ok.

Also Read: Repair Excel Files (XLS, XLSX, XLT, XLS, XLSX)

Workaround 7- Convert XLSM to Another File Format

If none of the above tricks work, then consider converting the XLSM file to a different format like XLSX, CSV, etc. This can assist bypass any compatibility issues or corruption within the original file.

For this, you can use an online Cloudconvert tool to convert your XLSM file to XLSX for free.

How to Open XLSM File?

You can follow the below steps to open XLSM file in Microsoft Excel easily:

  • Launch Microsoft Excel.
  • Click the File > Open option to open the Open window.

How to Open XLSM File

  • Now, navigate to the folder that contains the XLSM file using the integrated file Browser > choose the XLSM file.
  • Next, click on the Open button to open the Excel XLSM file.

How to Open XLSM File

  • Click the “Enable Content” button at the top in the yellow bar to enable the macros.

How to Open XLSM File

Related FAQs:

Why Can't I Open XLSM File?

Your .xlsm Excel file not opening either due to file corruption or incorrect macro security settings.

What Opens XLSM Files?

Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets can open XLSM files.

Can I Convert XLSM To XLSX?

Yes, you can convert .xlsm to .xlsx/xls format for free by using online spreadsheet converter tools.

How Do I Recover a Corrupted XLSM File?

To recover a corrupted XLSM file, you can use the most reliable Excel Recovery Software.

Closure!

While encountering issues with XLSM not opening in Excel can be frustrating, it is important to deal with the problem systematically and use the proper techniques. However, by applying the solutions discussed in this post, you can diagnose & fix this issue effectively, ensuring a smooth workflow.

If in case you have any additional questions, tell us by visiting our Repair MS Excel Facebook and Twitter account.



Priyanka is a content marketing expert. She writes tech blogs and has expertise in MS Office, Excel, and other tech subjects. Her distinctive art of presenting tech information in the easy-to-understand language is very impressive. When not writing, she loves unplanned travels.