Tips to open XLW file

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

XLW file extension

File Name Excel Workspace Format
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Misc Files

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

Operating systems
  • 4
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is XLW file?

The file with the extension XLW is the Misc Files file type. The author of this format is Microsoft. Additionally, the Misc Files category contains 6033 of other files. Excel Workspace Format is most often found on 2 operating systems. The file will work on Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The main program that supports this format is Microsoft Excel. This was created by Microsoft Corporation. This file type can also be opened by 4 other programs. The Microsoft Office, Advanced Office Repair, Advanced Excel Repair programs will also handle the file when the Microsoft Excel program does not fulfill its role.

How to open XLW file?

The most common problem when using Excel Workspace Format is that a specific XLW is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open XLW, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the XLW 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

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Microsoft Excel is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name Microsoft Excel into the system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below you will find a list of applications that support XLW files.

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Excel with XLW files

If, despite the installed application, the XLW file does not start in the Microsoft Excel application, you must create a file association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. 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. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the XLW file with the Microsoft Excel program.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Excel to the latest version

If, despite the association of the Microsoft Excel program with the Excel Workspace Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the Microsoft Corporation website and install the latest version.

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

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The XLW file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to XLW files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file XLW or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected XLW files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the XLW file. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair XLW file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use Microsoft help.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted XLW files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. If possible, you can try to move the XLW 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 XLW to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the XLW file for a certain period of time. If the problem persists, restart the machine.