[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Has your Excel file been corrupted? Sooner or later, most Excel users come across this problem. The more complex the workbook, the more likely that this will happen. However, don\u2019t despair \u2013 there are many ways to repair your corrupted Excel file or, at the very least, recover the data.<\/p>\n
In this post, you\u2019ll find the most common causes for this problem and a variety of methods to fix your corrupted Excel workbook, both online and offline. Additionally, you\u2019ll find some tips for avoiding this problem in the future.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-does-an-excel-file-become-corrupted” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, Excel files can become corrupted for many different reasons, especially if they are being used collaboratively<\/a> and\/or include data and calculations. However, there are some common causes that could help you identify the problem.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-repair-a-corrupted-excel-file” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n There are many different methods to fix a corrupted file, depending on the cause and the type of Excel you\u2019re working on. Let\u2019s explore the most common ways to repair a corrupted Excel file in the desktop app, in Office 365, and finally, using third-party tools.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-repair-a-corrupted-excel-file-in” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Some causes of corrupted Excel files can be fixed easily with simple manual changes. Microsoft also has a native tool designed to solve file corruption, too.<\/p>\n Before using the Excel Repair Tool, you may want to check for a couple of common problems. The most common causes of corruption are saving your file using the wrong extension and Excel struggling to perform all of your workbook calculations. Here\u2019s how to solve these two issues.<\/p>\n The file extension should always be .xls or .xlsx \u2013 it may have been changed accidentally when saving or renaming. This can be solved easily using the following steps:<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> In the folder where the file is stored, click on \u201cView\u201d and make sure the \u201cFilename extension\u201d checkbox is ticked.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-file-repair-show-file-name-extensions.webp” alt=”Excel file repair \u2014 File name extensions checkbox ticked on the File Explorer View tab” title_text=”File name extensions checkbox ticked on the File Explorer View tab” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> Right-click on the file and choose \u201cRename\u201d. Make sure the extension is \u201c.xlsx\u201d or \u201c.xls\u201d.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-file-repair-rename-xlsx-extension.webp” alt=”Excel file repair \u2014 renaming Book1.xlsx in File Explorer with the .xlsx extension selected” title_text=”Renaming Book1.xlsx in File Explorer with the .xlsx extension selected” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The most commonly used option for workbook calculations is \u201cAutomatic\u201d, as this will ensure that all data is updated when changes are made. However, this means that any problems with the formulas can result in a corrupted file. By setting the calculations to \u201cManual\u201d, you may be able to access the file and fix the faulty formula.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Head to File > Options > Formulas.<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> Click on the \u201cManual\u201d option to change your workbook calculation.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-file-repair-manual-workbook-calculation.webp” alt=”Excel file repair \u2014 Excel Options, Formulas, with Workbook Calculation set to Manual” title_text=”Excel Options, Formulas, with Workbook Calculation set to Manual” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Usually, Excel will automatically open the corrupted file in File Recovery mode. However, if this doesn\u2019t happen, you can open the file manually using the \u201cOpen and repair\u201d option.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> In the desktop app, head to File > Open and choose the folder containing the file.<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> After selecting your chosen file, expand the \u201cOpen\u201d button by clicking on the downward arrow, and select the \u201cOpen and Repair\u2026\u201d option.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-file-repair-open-and-repair-option.webp” alt=”Excel file repair \u2014 Open dialog with the Open button menu expanded and Open and Repair selected” title_text=”Open dialog with the Open button menu expanded and Open and Repair selected” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> A dialog box will appear to confirm whether you want to repair your file, or extract the data. Click on \u201cRepair\u201d.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-file-repair-repair-or-extract-data.webp” alt=”Excel file repair \u2014 Microsoft Excel prompt with Repair, Extract Data and Cancel buttons” title_text=”Microsoft Excel prompt with Repair, Extract Data and Cancel buttons” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> Excel will alert you of any problems it has found and ask you to confirm recovery. Click “Yes” to confirm.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-file-repair-recover-content-yes.webp” alt=”Excel file repair \u2014 Excel asks to recover as much of Book1.xlsx as it can, with Yes and No” title_text=”Excel asks to recover as much of Book1.xlsx as it can, with Yes and No” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 5.<\/strong> Once the attempt is complete, your repaired file will open, and you will see a summary of the repairs with a link to a more detailed log of the process.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-file-repair-repairs-summary.webp” alt=”Excel file repair \u2014 repaired Book1.xlsx open with the Repairs to Book1.xlsx summary dialog” title_text=”Repaired Book1.xlsx open with the Repairs to Book1.xlsx summary dialog” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-repair-a-corrupted-excel-file-in” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n If you\u2019re trying to open a corrupted file in Excel Online, Excel is likely to prompt you to open the desktop app.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-file-repair-office-365-open-in-desktop-app.webp” alt=”Excel file repair \u2014 Excel Online’s Couldn’t Open the Workbook message with Open in Desktop App” title_text=”Excel Online’s Couldn’t Open the Workbook message with Open in Desktop App” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n If you can, open the desktop app and follow the instructions in the previous section. If you’re on a device without the desktop app, you can use any of the third-party tools available online.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-repair-a-corrupted-excel-file-usi” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Given the popularity of Excel files and the possibility to share and collaborate online, it is not surprising that there are so many tools available to repair corrupted or damaged files. These take different forms regarding payment and use, including freeware, shareware, open source, and closed source.<\/p>\n The following are some of the most popular Excel file repair tools available online. Although all of these have a free trial or 30-day money-back guarantee, look out for other limitations in the free versions, and check each site for current prices.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-extract-data-from-a-corrupted-exc” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n If you are unable to repair the file with MS Excel\u2019s native Repair Tool, or you\u2019re unwilling to pay for third-party tools, you can attempt to recover the data. However, this may result in the loss of some data, formulae, formatting, and external links.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Follow steps 1 and 2 from the section \u2018Repair with Microsoft\u2019s native \u201cOpen and Repair\u201d tool\u2019.<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> When prompted, click on \u201cExtract Data\u201d.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-file-repair-extract-data.webp” alt=”Excel file repair \u2014 Microsoft Excel prompt with the Extract Data button highlighted” title_text=”Microsoft Excel prompt with the Extract Data button highlighted” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> You will then have to choose the option that best suits your needs: either convert all data to values (no formulae) or try to recover the formulas. You can also make a copy of the corrupt file to try both.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-file-repair-convert-to-values.webp” alt=”Excel file repair \u2014 prompt to Convert to Values or Recover Formulas from the workbook” title_text=”Prompt to Convert to Values or Recover Formulas from the workbook” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”conclusion” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n As you have seen, there are many possible causes for corrupted Excel files \u2013 from unexpected shutdowns to malware infections. Luckily, there are also many solutions, in addition to preventative measures, that can help you avoid this problem, like keeping a version history of your workbooks<\/a>.<\/p>\n You should be able to repair corrupted .xlsx files using a variety of methods, including MS Excel\u2019s native File Repair tool. This method also offers the possibility of extracting the data when a repair is not possible. However, if this doesn\u2019t work, you have a variety of third-party tools available. For more information on spreadsheet-related data recovery, take a look at our blog posts on how to Autorecover an Excel file<\/a> and how to restore a previous version of an Excel file<\/a>.<\/p>\n If Excel won’t even save your file, read how to fix an Excel file that won’t save<\/a>. And if your data is spread across many workbooks, Sheetgo<\/a>, an AI-powered data automation platform, can copy it into a central file on a schedule, so one damaged workbook doesn’t cost you the data.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Aprenda a reparar um arquivo do Excel passo a passo. Corrija uma pasta de trabalho corrompida com Abrir e Reparar ou com um ajuste manual, teste uma ferramenta de terceiros ou extraia os dados.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":265583,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[51],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-265572","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-excel-features"],"acf":[],"permalink_manager":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/265572","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=265572"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/265572\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/265583"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=265572"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=265572"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=265572"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\n
How to repair a corrupted Excel file?<\/h2>\n
How to repair a corrupted Excel file in the desktop app?<\/h2>\n
Repair Excel workbook manually<\/h3>\n
Change the file extension<\/h3>\n
Set workbook calculations to manual<\/h3>\n
Repair with Microsoft’s native “Open and Repair” tool<\/h3>\n
How to repair a corrupted Excel file in Office 365?<\/h2>\n
How to repair a corrupted Excel file using third-party tools?<\/h2>\n
\n
How to extract data from a corrupted Excel file?<\/h2>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n