How to Open Large Excel File without Crashing? Safest Methods
Do you have large Excel files to open, and you don’t know what to do? Then you are alone. Multiple users of MS Excel have large Excel files, and now they are unable to open them. This blog is going to explain the best and possible methods to open big Excel files without crashing.
MS Excel is a widely used application for data storage, reporting, and analysis. It allows users to manage data in rows, columns, and tables. But whenever we reached the limit of the Excel file, it became inaccessible, difficult to open, slow to respond, and even crashed.
If you are also facing the same issues and are unable to open large Excel file then don’t worry. Here, we will explain why large Excel files fail to open, how to resolve the issue manually, the drawbacks of manual methods, and what the alternative solution is to handle large Excel files without crashing.
Why Large Excel Files Won’t Open or Run Slowly?
Before resolving the issue, it is important to understand why it happens, so that you can understand and resolve the issue.
- Maybe users have filled all the rows and columns, which exceeds the limit.
- Excessive formatting, such as colors, borders, or conditional formatting rules.
- Multiple pivot tables and charts in the same workbook, which makes it impossible to open large Excel file.
- It might be that users are using large images in MS Excel, which makes the file heavier.
- Maybe you are opening an Excel file in an outdated version.
- Also, there is a high chance that your system has no storage space, so your large Excel file won’t open.
Why Excel File Too Large Even After It’s Empty? It happens many times when your Excel file contains hidden data like unused formatting, blank rows/columns, which makes your file a large and inaccessible Excel file. To fix this, clear excess formatting, delete unused rows/columns, remove hidden sheets/objects, and save the file again.
How to Fix the “Open Large Excel File” Issue? Easy Ways
Yes, we can handle large Excel files by enabling manual calculation mode, removing unnecessary formatting, deleting blank rows and columns, splitting large files into small parts, using filters or pivot tables, trying to save in binary format, and disabling add-ins.
#1: Easiest Way to Make Large Excel Files Faster
If you are unable to open large Excel file without crashing and losing data, then you should download the SysTools Excel Splitter Tool. This software can easily divide large Excel files into smaller parts, which makes the process of opening the data file smooth.
This solution is the best option, because there is no need to open your large Excel file, and it doesn’t make any changes to the original file. Download the free demo version to understand how the software works and its features.
How to Open Large Excel File without Crashing?
- Download and start the solution.
- Choose the “Split Excel” option from the screen.
- Import your single and multiple files/folders options.
- Locate the destination of your Excel file on the machine and use the “Open” icon.
- All your files and folders will appear, and choose the “Next” icon.
- Select any “Split Options” and location according to your choice, and choose the “Split” button.
- Hit the “OK” button to open large Excel file without crashing.
- The live process will start on the screen and use the “View Report” button to open the selected location.
Important Note: Upcoming manual methods will only work when your Excel file is open.
#2: Enable Manual Calculation Mode
This feature stops Excel from recalculating formulas automatically, which reduces the load time. Here are the working steps:
- Open your Excel file.
- Head to the “Formulas” >> “Calculation Options” and then “Manual” options.
#3: Remove Unnecessary Formatting
- Choose the entire rows/columns and clear formatting.
- Now use Home >> Clear and then the Clear Formats option to open large Excel file.
#4: Delete Blank Rows/Columns to Handle Large Excel Files
As we mentioned that sometimes blank rows and columns take space due to hidden formatting or data.
- Select all the rows/columns.
- Right-click and choose the “Delete” button.
#5: Use Filters or Pivot Tables
Also, you can keep your data in pivot tables instead of maintaining your data in one sheet. It reduces the processing load.
#6: Save in Binary Format (.XLSB)
If you save your file in this format, then your file will open faster and reduce Excel file size.
- Open your large file.
- Head to the Save As >> Excel Binary Workbook (.xlsb).
#7: Disable Add-ins
Also, you can try this method to open large Excel file without crashing.
- Head to the File tab in Excel.
- Choose the Options and Add-ins to disable unnecessary add-ins.
Why Should Users Choose the Advanced Solution Over Manual Methods?
Here are we will compare the manual and expert solutions and why users should choose the advanced solution over manual methods:
- Manual methods are required to open large Excel file, while the solution doesn’t require accessing large Excel files; it can easily split files.
- Manual ways have a high risk of losing data from rows/columns, while the software does not make any changes in the original data file.
- Also, you can’t open multiple files at the same time, but the software can easily work with multiple Excel spreadsheets.
- The software provides multiple split options, like dividing files by rows, size, and sheet.
- Also, it allows users to select the location according to their requirements within the machine using the Change button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q 1: Can Excel open a 2 GB file?
No, Excel files cannot open a 2 GB file, because 32-bit Excel can support around 2 GB file size, but in practice, your file will crash while opening. And 64-bit Excel, larger files can be opened, and it also depends on your system’s storage space.
Q 2: How do I clear the cache in Excel?
- Open your Excel file.
- Choose the File tab and Options.
- Now head to the Save tab.
- Scroll down and find the Cache Settings area.
- Finally, choose the “Deleted Cached Files” and then the “OK” icon.
Q 3: Does the software require opening an Excel file?
No, the software doesn’t require to open large Excel file; it can directly divide your large files into smaller parts.
Q 4: Does this tool repair the corrupted Excel file before splitting?
No, this software can only create separate small files for better management and easy to open large Excel files. But in case your Excel file is corrupted, then firstly repair it with the XLS Repair Tool.
Final Comment
If your Excel file reached its maximum size, then it becomes inaccessible, and if you are also looking for a same to open large Excel file without crashing, then this blog has complete information. Here we have explained all the possible methods, like if your file is still opening and you want to reduce the size, then you can go for the manual tricks. But in case your Excel file is not opening due to its large size, then choose the expert tool. It allows users to split the large file into smaller parts without opening it. For better information, download the free demo version or contact us through live chat support.
