Microsoft

Why Microsoft Excel Keeps Restarting and How to Fix It

Md Sojib Mia

— 2 min read
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A laptop displaying the Microsoft Excel application open on a desk.

If Microsoft Excel keeps restarting, it can be a major disruption, especially when you're under pressure to complete a project. This issue often arises from corrupted files, conflicting add-ins, or compatibility problems. Fortunately, there are effective troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve this issue quickly and get back to work.

What causes Excel to keep restarting?

Excel may restart unexpectedly due to several common issues:

  • Corrupted files: A corrupted workbook can lead to crashes.
  • Add-ins: Certain add-ins may conflict with Excel, causing instability.
  • Compatibility issues: Using an outdated version of Excel or Windows can lead to problems with newer file formats or features.
  • Insufficient system resources: Running multiple applications simultaneously can strain your computer's resources, leading to crashes.

Understanding these causes can help you identify the problem more effectively.

Before you start

Make sure you have the necessary privileges to perform these troubleshooting steps (Administrator access is required). This guide applies to Microsoft Excel 2013 and later versions, including the Microsoft 365 subscription. Save your work before proceeding with any changes to avoid data loss.

How can I troubleshoot Excel's restarting issue?

To troubleshoot Excel's restarting issue, follow these steps:

  1. Disable add-ins: - Open Excel and go to File > Options > Add-Ins. - At the bottom, select COM Add-ins and click Go.... - Uncheck all add-ins and click OK.
  2. Repair Office: - Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. - Select Microsoft Office, then click Change and choose Repair.
  3. Check for updates: - Open Excel, then go to File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.
  4. Start Excel in Safe Mode: - Hold the Ctrl key while opening Excel to see if it runs without crashing.
  5. Run the Office Configuration Tool: - Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: ``cmd cd %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\OfficeXX OfficeC2RClient.exe /update ` (Replace OfficeXX` with your version.)

Following these steps can help pinpoint and resolve the root cause of the problem.

How do I verify if the issue is resolved?

To confirm that the issue is resolved, use Excel for a while without experiencing any crashes. Open multiple files and perform various tasks you typically do. If Excel runs smoothly without restarting, the issue may be fixed. If it crashes again, revisit the troubleshooting steps or consider other underlying issues.

What can I do to prevent Excel from restarting?

To maintain Excel's stability and prevent future restarts, consider the following tips:

  • Keep Excel and your operating system updated to the latest versions.
  • Regularly review and disable unnecessary add-ins that may cause conflicts.
  • Ensure your computer meets the recommended system requirements for running Excel effectively.
  • Avoid opening large files or running multiple resource-intensive applications at once, as this can strain system resources.

When should I seek professional help?

If you've tried all troubleshooting steps and Excel continues to restart, it may be time to seek professional help. This can involve contacting Microsoft support for more advanced diagnostics or considering a complete reinstall of the software. If hardware issues are suspected, consulting a technician may also be necessary.

Conclusion

If Excel continues to restart after trying these solutions, consider seeking more in-depth technical support. Regular maintenance and updates can help keep Excel running smoothly in the long run.

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