I can't use the online templates in excel, word and PowerPoint

I think I have the same problem but it has nothing to do with connectivity. I can see the icon for the template in the File New backstage. I can also see it in the template files folder. In both cases, double clicking the icon does not produce a new .xslx document, it only opens the original .xltm template. If I click on the pathway link, I get the same result - only the .xltm template opens. Several sites suggested being sure to give the new creation a new name to avoid overwriting the original. But this is the purpose of creating the template functions - so that we don't have to copy one document and remember to save it as a new one. So it seems that there is an error in the template function that I (we) cannot overcome.

There are no error messages about unavailability. Account status is normal, DNS is unchanged.

I saw a suggestion that the templates do not work with 365 online. Is this the case? If so, it would save me a lot of time to stop trying to make it work from my end. Please let me know (if you can)!

Thank you!

Hi, PRAVEEN KUMAR 008

I haven't received the message from you yet. If there is anything more that I can do for you or if anything is unclear, please do not hesitate to let me know.     Best Regards,Kyra – MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Hi, PRAVEEN KUMAR 008

Welcome to Microsoft Community.Knowing that you are unable to use the online templates, I understand the inconvenience of this issue.******Did you receive any error messages regarding your unavailability?**Please be sure to provide us with them as well if you have.By your description, you are not able to use it in Excel, Word and PowerPoint and you make sure the application is updated to the latest version.Then we can follow the steps below to troubleshoot the problem.Although you have ensured that your network connection is working properly, to troubleshoot if the problem is with a specific network.Please try a different network, or use a mobile hotspot to connect, or temporarily disable your web proxy if you have one enabled, to check if you can use the online template normally.Changing DNSClick on the Start menu and select Settings.In the Settings window, click on “Network and Internet”.Depending on the type of network you are connected to, select the appropriate option.On the Status page, scroll down and click Change adapter options.Locate the network connection you are using, right-click on it and select “Properties”.In the Connection Properties window, find “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” or “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”, select it and click “Properties”. Properties”.Use the following DNS server addresses:Preferred DNS server: 4.2.2.1Alternate DNS server: 4.2.2.2Check Account StatusOpen Excel/Word/PowerPoint and click on the avatar in the upper right corner.Make sure you are logged into your Microsoft account and try to refresh your account credentials by logging out and back in.Click File > Accounts.In the Product Information section, check if Office is activated.If you are using a Microsoft 365 subscription, make sure it is still active.Checking Trusted Center settingsOpen Excel/Word/PowerPoint and click File > Options.Select Trust Center and click Trust Center Settings. On the left hand side, select Protected Views and make sure that the option related to “Enable protected views” is not checked. 

If the problem persists, try fixing Office Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter to open Programs and Features.Locate Microsoft Office in the list and right-click Change.Select Quick Fix and click Repair.If the problem persists, you can choose to fix it online (requires an Internet connection).Once the fix is complete, restart your computer and reopen Office to test it.If you have any questions or need further assistance, please let us know.Best Regards,Kyra – MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist