XLW File Extension
Excel Workspace Format
- File Type xlw
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application Microsoft Excel
- Category Settings Files, Data Files
- Format Binary
What is a XLW file?
Files with the XLW extension are associated with Excel Workspace Format and are categorized as Settings Files and Data Files, making up 7386 files.
The Excel Workspace Format (XLW), created by Microsoft, is one of file format they developed, and they also built 242 programs to support them.
XLW files are supported by Windows and Mac OS. When working with XLW files, you can rely on 4 programs, including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office and Advanced Office Repair.
MIME types
- application/x-msexcel
- application/msexcel
- application/vnd.ms-excel
- application/excel
- application/x-excel
Programs that support XLW files
How to open a XLW file?
If you can’t open a XLW file, it is usually because the necessary software is missing. To resolve the issue, select the right program from the list for your operating system. Then go to the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it.
Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office and Advanced Office Repair stand out as the preferred programs to manage XLW files effectively. To get the latest version of Microsoft Excel, open the Microsoft website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.
After setup, the operating system should recognize XLW files and link them with Microsoft Excel.
Set Microsoft Excel to open XLW by default
Change default apps on Mac
- Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired XLW file to access the file’s context menu;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- Scroll down to the bottom of the window, and there you will find the "Enable" menu. The default selection is "Recommended Programs";
- Choose "All Programs" within this menu and locate Microsoft Excel. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default program.
Set default programs for Windows
- Take the first step by right-clicking on your XLW file. Next, select "Open With" and then choose "Choose another app" from the available options;
- 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 XLW files.
Easy XLW Troubleshooting
XLW files can sometimes be tricky, but minor software adjustments usually resolve the issues. Refer to the tips below for guidance.
How do I know if my XLW file has been damaged?
XLW settings files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:
- Error alerts occur when actions are performed on the file;
- The file exhibits poor performance during editing operations in Microsoft Excel;
- When opening the file, errors occur or the inability to access its contents;
- Unexplained XLW file size inflation;
- Microsoft Excel or other programs stop responding or crash when trying to handle the file;
Why does Microsoft Excel quit or crash unexpectedly?
Lack of software updates is a possible reason behind Microsoft Excel crash. Keep your Microsoft products up to date by installing the latest updates.
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.
What methods can be used to repair a damaged XLW file?
In Advanced Office Repair or Advanced Excel Repair, open the damaged XLW file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged settings files.
How to edit a XLW file?
To make changes to XLW files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the settings files. Online XLW editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for Excel Workspace Format.
Best XLW Editor Software in 2026
Based on your described criteria, here is a list of available XLW editors.
| XLW Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Excel | Microsoft | Windows, Mac OS, Apple iOS, Android | 4.7 out of 5 (37 reviews) |