_XLS File Extension

Microsoft Excel Workbook

File Type _xls
Developer Microsoft Corporation
Popularity
4.7 (36 votes)
Application Microsoft Excel
Category Spreadsheet Files
Format Binary

What is a _XLS file?

The _XLS file extension is linked to Microsoft Excel Workbook and belongs to the Spreadsheet Files category, which includes 113 files.

With the creation of the Microsoft Excel Workbook (_XLS), Microsoft introduced file format along with 242 programs built for their use.

_XLS file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux. You can open a _XLS file using one of 4 programs, for example Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Excel Viewer and Microsoft Office.

Windows

Mac OS

Linux

Microsoft 365

How to open a _XLS file?

The most common reason why a _XLS file cannot be opened is the absence of required software. To fix this, select a compatible program from the list. Then visit the official developer website via the provided link, download the program, and install it on your system.

When it comes to opening and working with _XLS files, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Excel Viewer and Microsoft Office are the top choices for users. If you want the most recent release of Microsoft Excel, head over to the Microsoft site and download the version designed to run on all platforms.

When you finish installing Microsoft Excel, the system will automatically launch _XLS files with it.

Set Microsoft Excel to open _XLS by default

Changing Default Programs in Windows

Start by right-clicking on your _XLS file and selecting the "Open With" option. From there, click "Choose another app" to continue;
Find the Microsoft Excel application in the pop-up window and select it as your preferred program;
Select the "Always use this application" check box and click "OK" to save your selection as the default application for opening _XLS files.

Change default apps on Mac

Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired _XLS file to access the file’s context menu;
Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
At the bottom of the window, you will see the "Enable" menu. It is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
Within this menu, select "All Programs" and then search for Microsoft Excel. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.

Easy _XLS Troubleshooting

When facing challenges with _XLS files, simple adjustments in your software can often solve the problem. Find helpful troubleshooting guidance below.

What Causes Microsoft Excel to Crash Frequently?

Microsoft Excel crashes can be attributed to outdated software. Make sure you have installed the latest updates for Microsoft products.

Restarting your computer is often an effective solution to resolve various common problems. Therefore, it is recommended to do so before making any changes to the software configuration.

How can I restore a damaged _XLS file?

Use a recovery program to open the damaged _XLS file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Then wait for the recovery process to complete, which allows you to automatically repair corrupted spreadsheet files.

What are the signs that my _XLS file is damaged?

Common indications of damaged _XLS spreadsheet files are:

Editing the archive in Microsoft Excel results in slow or unresponsive behavior;
File hangs or crashes in Microsoft Excel or other programs;
The file does not open or opens with errors;
Unexplained increase in _XLS file size;
Working with the file triggers the display of error messages;

How to edit a _XLS file?

To edit _XLS files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the spreadsheet files. Online _XLS editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for Microsoft Excel Workbook.

Best _XLS editors in 2026

After analyzing the criteria, we have created a list of _XLS editors available for use.

_XLS Editor Software	Developer	Platforms	Overall Rating
Microsoft Excel	Microsoft	Windows, Mac OS, Apple iOS, Android	4.7 out of 5 (37 reviews)

Convert to and from _XLS

If working with a _XLS file is challenging, one solution is to convert it to formats like XLS, XLSX, XLSB or other supported formats.

Keep in mind that converting a _XLS file may introduce some limitations, but the original format can often be restored.

Offline software options such as Microsoft Excel guarantee lossless conversion of _XLS files.