_XLS File Extension

What is _XLS file?

_XLS is a file extension commonly associated with Microsoft Excel Workbook files. Microsoft Excel Workbook specification was created by Microsoft Corporation. _XLS file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Windows system platform. _XLS file format, along with 100 other file formats, belongs to the Spreadsheet Files category. The most popular program for handling _XLS files is Microsoft Excel, but users can choose among 3 different programs that support this file format. Software named Microsoft Excel was created by Microsoft Corporation. In order to find more detailed information on the software and _XLS files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support _XLS file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support _XLS files. Files with _XLS extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

How to open file with _XLS extension?

Problems with accessing _XLS may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Microsoft Excel Workbook files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Excel software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening _XLS files is that no program that can handle _XLS files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Microsoft Excel or different compatible program, such as Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel Viewer, Office 365. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Microsoft Excel installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Microsoft Corporation website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft Excel

If the problems with opening _XLS files still occur even after installing Microsoft Excel, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Excel is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why _XLS files are not compatible with Microsoft Excel. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Microsoft Excel.

Step 3. Assign Microsoft Excel to _XLS files

After installing Microsoft Excel (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open _XLS files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the _XLS file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Excel is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open _XLS files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected _XLS file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Microsoft Excel and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with _XLS extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Ensure that the _XLS file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the _XLS file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the _XLS in question is not infected with a computer virus

Should it happed that the _XLS is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. _XLS file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the _XLS file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with _XLS extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Microsoft Excel Workbook file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle Microsoft Excel

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support _XLS files. Close all running programs and try opening the _XLS file.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Microsoft Excel Workbook file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle _XLS files.

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