How to Fix Excel Crashing or Freezing

Applies to: Microsoft Excel 365, Excel 2019/2021
Article Type: Troubleshooting
Last Updated: 2026-01-14

Summary

If Excel freezes when opening a specific file or crashes randomly, it is usually due to corrupt add-ins or "Hardware Graphics Acceleration".

Prerequisites

• Ensure Windows Updates are fully installed.

Instructions

1. Disable Hardware Graphics Acceleration

This is a common cause of visual glitches and crashes on older PCs.

1. Open Excel.
2. Go to File > Options.
3. Select Advanced from the left menu.
4. Scroll down to the Display section.
5. Check the box: Disable hardware graphics acceleration.
6. Click OK and restart Excel.

2. Open in Safe Mode (Test Add-ins)

1. Press Win + R.
2. Type excel /safe and press Enter.
3. If it runs fast and stable:
   • Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
   • Manage: COM Add-ins > Go.
   • Uncheck third-party tools (like PDF makers or Accounting plugins).

3. Repair the File

If only ONE file crashes, the file is corrupt.

1. Open Excel contents (blank workbook).
2. Go to File > Open > Browse.
3. Select your file (single click).
4. Click the Arrow next to the "Open" button.
5. Select Open and Repair.

Troubleshooting

DANGER

Files with over 10,000 formulas (VLOOKUPS) will naturally be slow. Save them as .xlsb (Binary Workbook) for better speed.

Symptom / Error	Potential Cause	Solution
Crashes on Print	Printer Driver	Change default printer to "Microsoft PDF" to test.
White Screen	Graphics	Method 1 (Disable Acceleration).

Related Articles

• How to Fix Common Computer Glitches by Restarting
• Understanding Excel Features — A Quick-Reference Guide to What Excel Can Do

Did this solve your problem?