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.
- Save changes in every open workbook, then close all Excel windows.
- Press Windows key + R.
- Enter:
excel /safe
- Select OK.
- Confirm the title bar says Microsoft Excel (Safe Mode).
- 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:
- In Excel, select File > Options > Add-ins.
- At the bottom, set Manage to COM Add-ins, then select Go.
- Clear all checked add-ins and select OK.
- Close Excel and reopen it normally.
- Test File > New > Blank workbook.
- 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.
- 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
- Excel not responding, hangs, freezes or stops working | Microsoft Support
- I get a "stopped working" error when I start Office applications on my PC | Microsoft Support
- Repair an Office application | Microsoft Support