How to Fix the “Excel Keeps Crashing and Freezing” Error?
Excel keeps crashing, and freezing is a frustrating situation for all users when you are working on an important spreadsheet, whether you are handling financial reports, data analysis, or simple records. It happens due to multiple reasons, such as:
- large file sizes
- corrupted data
- outdated software
- or system limitations
In upcoming paragraphs, along with reasons, we will discuss how it impacts, how to resolve it,t and tips to prevent this situation. Here you will get complete information to fix the Excel keeps freezing up issue.
In this Complete Guide, You’ll Learn:
Why Does My Excel Keep Freezing and Crashing?
Before knowing the solution, it is important to understand the root causes of this issue:
- Large File Size and Heavy Data: If your file contains large amounts of data, then this is a common issue that makes your Excel crash and freeze.
- Too Many Formulas or Volatile Functions: Also, heavy functions like NOW(), TODAY(), OFFSET() make your file slow and unable to open.
- Corrupted Excel Files: This is another reason why Excel not responding and doesn’t open your sheet or workbook.
- Outdated Software Version: Sometimes Excel keeps crashing, and freezing issues happen due to older editions.
- Add-ins Causing Conflicts: Third-party add-ins can affect your Excel performance.
What to Do If Excel Keeps Crashing or Freezing?
Resolving MS Excel errors is not an easy task, but we can resolve the issues by following some techniques, such as:
- Safe Mode
- Disable Add-Ins
- Splitting Large File into Smaller Parts
- Update Older Version
- Reduce File Size
- Repair Excel Application
- Save File in Binary Format
- Manual Calculation On
Method 1: Safe Mode
- Select “Win + R” keys or open Run by search.
- Type: Excel /safe
- And your Excel opens in safe mode successfully.
Method 2: Disable Add-Ins
Sometimes third-party add-ins in Excel conflict, which may cause Excel to crash and freezing issue.
- Open your sheet.
- Head to the “File” tab >> “Options” >> “Add-ins” options.
- Select and disable unwanted add-ins.
- And restart your Excel.
Method 3: Solve the “Excel Keeps Crashing” Issue by Splitting Large Files
If your file contains large amounts of data that make it large and unopenable, splitting it into smaller parts is the best approach. Manually, it is not possible, so you can install the SysTools Excel Splitter Tool. This software can easily divide your file into smaller parts by size, row, and sheets. After the process, you can access only the required parts rather than the complete file, which prevents the “Excel keeps crashing and freezing” error. You can use the trial edition to understand the performance.
Method 4: Update Older Versions
If you are using an older version of Excel, then you will continuously face the “Excel keeps freezing up” error.
- Open the MS Excel application.
- Head to the “File” tab.
- And select the “Account” >> “Update Options”.
- Hit the “Update Now”.
Method 5: Reduce File Size by Deleting Data
If you can open your Excel, then you can reduce the file size by:
- Deleting unwanted columns and rows.
- Removing unnecessary formatting
- Compress images to solve the “Excel keeps crashing and freezing” issue
Method 6: Repair Office
- Open your “Control Panel”.
- Choose “Programs” >> “Microsoft Office” option.
- Hit the “Repair” icon.
Method 7: Fix the “Excel Keeps Crashing” by Saving as Binary Format
Saving for an Excel file as .xlsb makes your file lighter and easier to access.
- Open your file
- Go to the “File” >> “Save As” option.
- Choose “XLSB” from the “Saving Type” list.
- Select the location and save the file.
Method 8: Manual Calculation On
Switching from automatic to manual calculation can prevent the “Excel keeps crashing and freezing” error. So, follow the given steps:
- Go to “Formulas” >> “Calculation” Options
- Select “the Manual” option.
Setbacks of All Manual Techniques
- Manual methods don’t offer a guarantee of a successful process.
- These methods only work when you can open the Excel file smoothly.
- You can resolve the error of one file at a time.
- You have to follow the same process again and again.
- If your file size is large or the file is corrupted, then only an automatic solution can resolve the “Excel keeps crashing and freezing” error.
What if the File is Corrupted?
If your Excel file is corrupted or damaged, then definitely your Excel keeps freezing, so you can use the SysTools Excel Recovery Tool to repair and recover data from a damaged file. It supports all types of files, including damaged, broken, corrupt, Inaccessible, protected, virus-infected, etc. Install the demo version to analyze the performance and features.
How to Prevent “Excel Keeps Crashing and Freezing” Error?
- Maintains at least 8GB RAM.
- Close all your unused applications
- Keep your disc free.
- Try to replace all your formulas with values.
- Always update your Excel application.
- Try to use only trusted and fewer add-ins.
Conclusion
If you are also frustrated with Excel crashing and freezing errors, then this is the right blog for you. Here we have discussed the possible techniques to resolve the issue by opening Excel in safe mode, deleting unwanted data, updating your application, splitting a large file into smaller parts, and repairing corrupted files, etc. Manual techniques can be beneficial for limited data files that have minor issues. If you find your file large and corrupted, then only an automatic solution can fix the error. Both tools are available with a demo version. Start with the trial version.
