When opening csv from file explorer, Excel opens a new blank workbook as well

Question

Every time I try to open a csv in Excel by double clicking an icon in File Explorer, Excel first opens a new window with a blank workbook before opening my file. I have tried searching for a solution, but haven't found anything. This is a relatively new behavior, but I am not sure what I changed to cause it. Anyone else have this issue?

Answer 1

Thank you for the update, John. For us to further isolate this, kindly open your Excel application in safe mode. This would help us identify if an add-in or extension is causing the problem.

1. Find the shortcut icon for your Office application.
2. Press and hold the CTRL key and double-click the application shortcut.
3. Click Yes when a window appears asking if you want to start the application in safe mode.

When running the application in safe mode and the issue still occurs, let's repair your Office application by following the steps provided on this article. If there are no changes after the repair, there might be some system components that's resulting to this issue. Let's go ahead and run the Easy Fix tool to completely uninstall Office that can be found on the same article provided.

If you would like me to provide additional advice, simply respond to this thread. I will get notified and I’ll reply to you as soon as I can.

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Answer 2

This issue started about 2-3 weeks ago.

I may have installed updates prior to this issue but i don't recall. 

I am not receiving any error messages. 

This does not occur for one specific file. It happens with all does that i open through Excel. I realized after posting the initial message that it occurs when opening xlsx files as well as csv.

Answer 3

Hello John, 

I would like to know more about your concern regarding the .csv file. Kindly answer the questions below: 

• When did the issue start?
• Have you made any changes or installed any updates prior to the issue?
• Are you receiving any error messages?
• Are you experiencing the issue with this specific file only?

In the meantime, I suggest that you try opening a test .csv file or any .csv file available and see if the result will be the same. 

To notify us and have us get back to you, simply reply to this post.