Tips to open XLSM file

Can't open the XLSM file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open XLSM files as well as a list of programs that support XLSM files.

XLSM file extension

File Name Excel Open XML Macro-Enabled Spreadsheet
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Spreadsheet Files

The XLSM file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the XLSM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the XLSM file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 5
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is XLSM file?

The .XLSM file is a Microsoft Excel file. It is a spreadsheet saved in Open XML format. What distinguishes the classic .XLSX file is the fact that macros are running. Macros are automated scripts that make it easy to perform repetitive tasks. They are written in Visual Basic. Such scripts are convenient and very useful. However, be careful as macros can be dangerous and lead to malware installation or data theft.

How to open XLSM file?

An often recurring problem with Excel Open XML Macro-Enabled Spreadsheet is that XLSM is not associated with the correct program file. Thus, when you open XLSM, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the XLSM file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Excel

The first step is to check if the computer has the Microsoft Excel program installed. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Microsoft Excel in it. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file XLSM with Microsoft Excel. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open XLSM files.

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Excel with XLSM files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the XLSM file still does not use the Microsoft Excel program, it means no association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the XLSM file with the Microsoft Excel program.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Excel to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the Microsoft Excel program, it is possible that Excel Open XML Macro-Enabled Spreadsheet requires a newer version of the program. In this case, use the Microsoft Corporation website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the XLSM file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:

The XLSM file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the XLSM file. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the XLSM file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected XLSM file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the XLSM files changes over time. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular XLSM file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Microsoft
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file XLSM except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the XLSM file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file XLSM to close. However, some background programs may block the XLSM file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.