Help me create a Excel spreadsheet

Susan Lawrence 0 Reputation points
2026-10-17T18:08:37.7233333+00:00

I am unable to open a new excel spreadsheet. I have several active spreadsheets. I know excel is working

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | Other
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  1. Bulldog 5,035 Reputation points
    2026-10-17T19:42:02.21+00:00

    "I am unable to open a new Excel spreadsheet."

    Here's how to open a new Excel spreadsheet.

    1- Launch Excel

    2- Click on New

    Screenshot 2026-10-17 153412

    If you are already in an existing spreadsheet:

    3- Click on File

    Screenshot 2026-10-17 153922

    4- Then click on New

    Screenshot 2026-10-17 153652

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  2. Dio Xavier 297.6K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-10-17T18:34:41.13+00:00

    Hello,

    Welcome to the Microsoft 365 and Office Community.

    Good afternoon. What error message appears when you try to create a new Excel table? Which operating system are you using?

    Looking forward to your reply...

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  3. AI answer

    2026-10-17T18:11:22.66+00:00

    Start Excel in Safe Mode and test File > New > Blank workbook there; if it works, disable the conflicting Excel or COM add-in.

    1. Test Excel in Safe Mode

    Because Ctrl+N and File > New already do nothing in normal mode, use Safe Mode to bypass Excel add-ins, startup files, and customized settings.

    1. Save changes in every open workbook, then close all Excel windows.
    2. Press Windows key + R.
    3. Enter:
         excel /safe
      
    4. Select OK.
    5. Confirm the title bar says Microsoft Excel (Safe Mode).
    6. Select File > New > Blank workbook.

    Safe Mode bypasses Excel add-ins, most COM add-ins, startup folders, and certain customizations that can interfere with Excel commands.^1^

    2. If a blank workbook opens in Safe Mode

    An add-in or startup customization is interfering with Excel. Disable add-ins and identify which one causes the problem:

    1. In Excel, select File > Options > Add-ins.
    2. At the bottom, set Manage to COM Add-ins, then select Go.
    3. Clear all checked add-ins and select OK.
    4. Close Excel and reopen it normally.
    5. Test File > New > Blank workbook.
    6. If it now works, re-enable add-ins one at a time, restarting Excel and testing after each one. Leave the add-in that reproduces the problem disabled, or obtain an updated version.
    7. Repeat the process with Manage > Excel Add-ins if necessary.

    Microsoft specifically recommends disabling add-ins individually after a successful Safe Mode test.^2^

    3. If it still fails in Safe Mode

    Repair Microsoft 365:

    • Windows 11: Right-click Start > Installed apps.
    • Windows 10: Right-click Start > Apps and Features.
    • Find Microsoft 365 or Office, select the three dots if shown, and choose Modify.
    • Run Quick Repair first.
    • Restart Excel and test creating a blank workbook.
    • If it still fails, return to the same location and run Online Repair. This is more comprehensive and may require an internet connection and subsequent sign-in.

    Repair applies to the entire Office suite, even when only Excel is affected.^3^

    Avoid deleting Excel registry keys manually at this stage; incorrect registry changes can cause additional problems.


    References

    1. Excel not responding, hangs, freezes or stops working | Microsoft Support
    2. I get a "stopped working" error when I start Office applications on my PC | Microsoft Support
    3. Repair an Office application | Microsoft Support
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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