How to Fix the “Excel Running Slow and Freezing” Issue?

If your MS Excel running slow and freezing while opening, scrolling, or during the calculation process, then you are not alone. This is one of the most common issues with MS Excel. This guide has explained the best and possible techniques to fix the Excel file takes forever to open issue by dividing the large file into smaller sheets, using manual calculation mode, removing unwanted data, removing formatting, optimizing formulas, etc.

Here you will get why Excel becomes slow, how to fix the Excel is running slow issue, and what you can do to prevent it in the future. Let’s start the process.

Excel is Running Slow: How to Fix

Here, we have described all possible techniques to fix the Excel file that takes forever to open. You can follow these techniques:

Method 1: Fix Large Excel Worksheet

Large file size is a common issue; if you are also facing the same issue, then use the SysTools Excel Splitter Tool. This is the only solution that can divide your file into smaller parts for better management by Sheet, Row, and Size. You will get multiple files of a large sheet, so you can access only required one whenever it’s needed. Install the free trial edition to fix the Excel running issue slowly:

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How to Fix “Excel Running Slow and Freezing”?

Here are the tools and working steps to fix the issue using the mentioned steps:

• Step 1: Install and start the solution.
• Step 2: Choose “Split” >> “Next” option.
• Step 3: Upload your large files/folders.
• Step 4: Choose a filter according to need.
• Step 5: Select the location and “Split” icon to start the process.

Method 2: Switch to Manual Calculation Mode

MS Excel recalculates formulas automatically after every change, and it consumes huge processing power. So, we will convert it manually to make the file faster.

1. Open your Excel file.
2. Head to the “Formulas” tab.
3. Hit on the “Calculation Options”.
4. Select the Manual option.
5. Now your Excel will only recalculate formulas when you press the F9 key.

Method 3: Clean Unused Rows and Columns

Mainly unused rows and columns take up a large amount of space in the file. So, you can remove them to fix the issue of Excel running slowly.

1. Use the “Ctrl + End” keys to check the last used cell.
2. Now select the “unused rows” >> right click >> “Delete” icon.
3. Next, select “columns” >> “Delete” option.
4. And save the file.

Method 4: Fix Excel Running Slow and Freezing by Removing Excess Formatting

Most of the time, users apply formatting to the complete row instead of using cells, which makes the file heavy.

1. Choose unused cells.
2. Head to “Home” → “Clear” → “Clear Formats”.
3. Now remove unnecessary conditional formatting:
   • “Home” >> “Conditional Formatting” >> “Manage Rules”.

Method 5: Save Files as Binary Format (.xlsb)

Binary format compresses your file, which means it makes your file lighter. Follow the steps to fix the issue of Excel running slowly.

1. Open your Excel file.
2. Choose “File” tab >> “Save As” option.
3. Select “Excel Binary Workbook (*.xlsb)” from the “File Type” list.

Method 6: Fix the Excel File Takes Long Time to Open by Disabling Add-ins

Sometimes third-party add-ins affect Excel performance. So, disabling them could be a good idea.

1. Head to “File” >> “Options” >> “Add-ins” in Excel.
2. Hit on the “Go (Manage COM Add-ins)”.
3. Now disable all your unnecessary add-ins.

Alternate Solution to Fix the Excel Running Slow and Freezing Issue

Manual methods are the best choice for one or two files or not too large files. If you have multiple large files and you are unable to open an Excel file or crashing then the only suggested solution is the best way. It will make your large file smaller to manage data smoothly. You can divide your file by size, rows, and sheets according to your choice.

This is the only solution available in the market that gives you a guarantee of a successful process while maintaining original data. Try the free demo edition to fix the Excel running slowly and freezing issue.

How to Solve the “Excel File Takes Forever to Open” Issue?

1. Install and start the solution on your machine, and choose the “Split Excel File” option.

   

2. Add your files/folders using provides options: “Add Files” and “Add Folders”.

   

3. All your selected files will appear, and choose the “Next” button.

   

4. Choose any “Split Option” according to your need and choose a location using “Change” icon.

   

5. Hit on the “Split” icon to fix the Excel running slowly and freezing issue.
6. After the complete procedure, choose the “OK” button.

   

Conclusion

Here we will mention the best ways to fix the Excel running slow and freezing issue using manual and automatic solutions. Manual techniques are best for limited data files, and in case you are facing an issue due to a large file, then use the automated solution. This solution can handle large files smoothly, divide them into structures, and maintain smaller parts. Try the demo edition for satisfaction.