XLSB File Extension

XLSB file icon

Excel Binary Spreadsheet

What is a XLSB file?

The XLSB extension is used by Excel Binary Spreadsheet and falls under the categories of Spreadsheet Files and Data Files, covering 6309 files.

Microsoft, the developer of the Excel Binary Spreadsheet (XLSB), has released file format and 242 programs designed to handle them.

XLSB files are compatible with various operating systems, including Mac OS, Windows and Linux. There are 7 programs available to open a XLSB file, including popular tools like Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice Calc and OpenOffice Calc.

MIME types

  • application/vnd.ms-excel.sheet.binary.macroEnabled.12

How to open a XLSB file?

If you are having trouble opening a XLSB file, it usually means the right software is not installed. Choose a program from the list that matches your operating system. Next, visit the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it on your device.

Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice Calc and OpenOffice Calc are recognized as the most popular software solutions for dealing with XLSB files. If you wish to install the latest release of Microsoft Excel, visit the official Microsoft portal and download the edition that works on any operating system.

After completing the installation, XLSB files should be recognized by the system and linked to Microsoft Excel.

Make Microsoft Excel the default XLSB viewer

Setting a default program by file type in Windows

  1. Right-click on your XLSB file and choose the "Open With" option. Then click "Choose another app" to continue the process;
  2. Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose Microsoft Excel as the application to associate with your XLSB file;
  3. Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".

Change the default app to open files on Mac

  1. Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired XLSB file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
  2. Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
  3. In the lower section of the window, you’ll find the "Enable" menu, with "Recommended Programs" pre-selected as the default option;
  4. Select "All Programs" in this menu, and then search for Microsoft Excel. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.

How to edit a XLSB file?

Editing XLSB files requires installing professional software that lets you open and edit spreadsheet files. Online editors have more limitations compared to dedicated Excel Binary Spreadsheet programs.

Best XLSB editors in 2026

Taking the above factors into account, we have selected a list of XLSB editors currently available.

XLSB Editor SoftwareDeveloperPlatformsOverall Rating
Microsoft WorksMicrosoftWindows4.9 out of 5 (42 reviews)
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoftWindows, Mac OS, Apple iOS, Android4.7 out of 5 (37 reviews)
OpenOffice CalcOpenOfficeWindows, Mac OS, Linux4.6 out of 5 (44 reviews)
LibreOffice CalcTDFWindows, Mac OS, Linux4.4 out of 5 (32 reviews)

Convert to and from XLSB

If a XLSB file is cumbersome, converting it to formats such as PDF, CSV, XLS, XLSX, MDB or other supported types can make it easier to manage.

Converting a XLSB file may not fully retain all functionality, but it is generally possible to return it to the original format.

Applications such as Microsoft Excel, OpenOffice Calc and LibreOffice Calc offer offline conversion of XLSB files to multiple formats, preserving quality.

Convert XLSB to other file formats

Converting Files to XLSB Format

Finding answers to XLSB file problems

While XLSB files can sometimes present difficulties, most problems can be resolved quickly with minor software modifications. Check the tips below to help solve them.

What are the possible solutions to recover a corrupt XLSB file?

Start a data recovery program and open the damaged XLSB file. Go to the menu and select the "Repair" option to repair the file. Please be patient while the recovery process completes, which will automatically restore the damaged spreadsheet files.

Are there any symptoms that my XLSB file is damaged?

Corrupted XLSB spreadsheet files may show the following signs:

  • The file causes Microsoft Excel or other programs to hang or crash during operation;
  • Error dialogs are displayed when interacting with the file;
  • Attempts to open the file result in errors or failed results;
  • Unexplained increase in XLSB file size;
  • Editing the archive in Microsoft Excel is accompanied by slow performance or delays;

What are the possible causes of Microsoft Excel crashing?

The absence of software updates can cause Microsoft Excel to crash. It is recommended to install the latest available updates for Microsoft products.

A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.