Excel not opening in safe mode

There may be times when you need to open Excel in safe mode. Perhaps there is a problem with the program and you need to troubleshoot it. Or maybe you’re experiencing some sort of issue with your workbook that you can’t seem to fix. Whatever the reason, opening Excel in safe mode is a great way to start troubleshooting the program. In this article, we’ll show you how to do it.

What is Excel Safe Mode?

Excel safe mode is a diagnostic mode that starts the application with a minimal set of features. This allows you to troubleshoot problems with the program without the added stress of having all of Excel’s features available.

How to Open Excel in Safe Mode

There are a few ways to open Excel in safe mode. We’ll show you two of the most common methods.

Method 1: Start Excel in Safe Mode from the Windows Start Menu

1. Click the Windows Start Menu and type “excel” (without the quotes) in the search bar.

Excel not opening in safe mode

2. When Excel appears in the search results, right-click it and select “Run as administrator.”

Excel not opening in safe mode

3. A dialog box will appear prompting you to choose between “Yes” and “No”. You have to select “Yes”.

Excel not opening in safe mode

4. Excel will open in safe mode.

Excel not opening in safe mode

Method 2: Start Excel in Safe Mode from the Command Line

1. Click on the “Search windows icon” located near the start button on the taskbar.

Excel not opening in safe mode

2. After that type “Run” in the windows search section and press enter. Or press “Windows key + R” to open a Run dialog box.

Excel not opening in safe mode

3. When the Run window opens, You have to type “excel /safe” in the input box.

Excel not opening in safe mode

4. Now press the “OK” button.

Excel not opening in safe mode

5. Excel is Open in safe mode.

Excel not opening in safe mode

Method 3: Start Excel in Safe Mode from the Command Prompt

1. Click the Windows Start Menu and type “cmd” (without the quotes) in the search bar.

Excel not opening in safe mode

2. When Command Prompt appears in the search results, right-click it and select “Run as administrator.”

Excel not opening in safe mode

3. A black command prompt window will open.

Excel not opening in safe mode

4. Type the following command and press enter:

“C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14\EXCEL.EXE”

Excel not opening in safe mode

5. Excel will open in safe mode.

Excel not opening in safe mode

Conclusion:

Excel can be opened in safe mode in many different ways, we tried explaining some of the common ways to open excel in safe mode. When Excel is open in safe mode, you’ll have access to the basic features of the program and you can troubleshoot any problems that you’re experiencing. To leave safe mode, simply close Excel and open a new workbook.

Can't open Excel in Safe Mode?

Opening Excel in Safe Mode with a Keyboard Shortcut Locate the file you want to open in Safe Mode. Hold down the Ctrl key and double-click the file. Do not let go of the Ctrl key until the confirmation window opens in the background. Select Yes in the confirmation window.

How do I force an Excel file to open in Protected Mode?

Protected View is a read-only mode where most editing functions are disabled..
Click File > Open..
On the Open dialog box, click the arrow next to the Open button..
From the list, click Open in Protected View..

How do I repair Office in Safe Mode?

Workaround.
Open System Configuration. ... .
Select Selective startup, and then clear the Load system services and Load startup items check boxes..
Click the Services tab..
Select the Microsoft Office ClickToRun Service check box..
Click OK..
If you're prompted, click Restart..