Where is Excel in W10? Why can I NOT set it as default app for a specific file?

Question

Hello,

Why is everything so difficult and why is Microsoft trying to force me to use something, or trying to prevent me from using something?

I want to set up Excel as the default app for .xml files.

Cannot be done.

Excel will not show up as an option and it cannot be found in the computer. It's hidden....

Is there a way to find it even though Microsoft doesn't want me to?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi SB. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 9 year Windows MVP here to help you.

Have you installed Office? Is it showing in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features?

But you cannot set it as default in Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Set Defaults by App > Microsoft Office > Choose a Default > Your installed Excel app (not the trial one at top they'll try to sell you if you choose it).

If it doesn't appear then do a repair at Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Microsoft Office > Advanced Options > Modify > Repair.

Then it should already claim the default but if not go back to claim it.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Answer 2

Excel is not part of Windows - never has been. It's part of Microsoft Office.

The best way (in my opinion) to get Microsoft Office is with an Office 365 subscription. For 7 bucks a month you get all the Office applications - including Excel, natch - and they are continuously updated so you'll always have the latest version. And included in the price is 1 terabyte of storage space in OneDrive and 60 minutes per month of free Skype calling. Because who doesn't have enough phones nowadays?

Answer 3

Hi Greg,

Have you installed Office? Is it showing in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features?

[SB] Yes, office is installed. Office is showing in Apps & Features, but Excel by itself is not.

But you cannot set it as default in Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Set Defaults by App > Microsoft Office > Choose a Default > Your installed Excel app (not the trial one at top they'll try to sell you if you choose it).

[SB] It's the full version, not a trial one.

If it doesn't appear then do a repair at Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Microsoft Office > Advanced Options > Modify > Repair.

[SB] Done, did not solve the problem. Please see attached screen shots.

Then it should already claim the default but if not go back to claim it.

Answer 4

.xml files are text files, not Excel files. See here:

https://www.howtogeek.com/357092/what-is-an-xml...

Answer 5

I have office 365 installed.