How to Open Microsoft Excel? (3 Easy Methods for Beginners)

Microsoft Excel is one of the most utilized spreadsheet tools for data entry, calculations, charting, reporting, budgeting and data analysis. The first step is knowing how to open Excel correctly before we study formulae, functions and advanced features.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn three simple methods to launch Microsoft Excel in Windows. These approaches are relevant to Microsoft Excel 2016, 2019, 2021, Microsoft 365 and newer versions and work on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

The Start Menu is the easiest and most common way to launch Microsoft Excel.

Step 1

Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar.

Step 2

Type Excel in the search box.

As you type, Windows will automatically display Microsoft Excel in the search results.

Step 3

Click Microsoft Excel from the search results.

Excel will open in a few seconds.

Step 4

If prompted, choose Blank Workbook to start working.

Method 2: Open Excel Using the Right-Click Menu

This method is useful if you want to create a new Excel workbook directly from your Desktop or any folder.

Step 1: Go to your Desktop or open any folder.

Step 2: Right-click on an empty area.

Step 3: Select New.

Step 4: Click Microsoft Excel Worksheet.

Step 5: A new Excel workbook will be created.

Method 3: Open Excel Using the Run Command

Which Method Should You Use?

Keyboard Shortcut to Open the Run Dialog

Function: Opens the Run dialog box

Common Problems and Solutions

Excel is not appearing in the Start Menu

• Check whether Microsoft Office or Microsoft Excel is installed.
• Restart your computer and search again.
• Reinstall or repair Microsoft Office if necessary.

• Check if Microsoft Excel is installed.
• Check that the installation completed successfully.
• Try starting Excel from the Start Menu.

Excel opens and closes right away

• Restart your computer.
• If necessary, open Excel in safe mode.
• Repair your Microsoft Office installation.

• To access quickly, pin Microsoft Excel to the Taskbar.
• If you use Excel a lot, put it on your Start Menu.
• Ctrl + S to save your work often.
• Create a shortcut on your Desktop for one click access.

Conclusion

There are a number of ways to open Microsoft Excel and this is a straightforward task. The quickest way for most people is the Start Menu but for those who like keyboard shortcuts, there is also a Run Command which is the fastest. The Right-Click approach is beneficial when creating a new workbook from the Desktop or folder.

Now you are ready to move to the next lesson. You have learnt how to open Microsoft Excel.

Q1. Can I open Excel without using the Start Menu?

Ans: Yes. You can open Excel with the Run Command (Windows + R) or by double-clicking an existing Excel workbook.

Q2. What is the fastest way?

Ans: The Run Command is usually the fastest because all it takes is a keyboard shortcut and a simple command.

Q3. Can I pin Excel to the Taskbar?

Ans: Yes. You may also pin Excel to your taskbar for quick access. To do this, open Excel and right-click the icon on the Taskbar. Then click Pin to taskbar.

Q4. Does this work on Windows 10 & Windows 11?

Ans: Yes. All three ways work on Windows 10 and Windows 11 with supported versions of Microsoft Excel.