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.XLS file extension

To open .XLS files on Windows, right-click the .XLS file and choose 'Open with'.

.XLS files are spreadsheet files primarily opened with Microsoft Excel. To open them, use Excel or a compatible app on your device.

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Last updated: March 19, 2026 · Reviewed by Julian Stricker

What “reviewed” means on this page
  • Format fit: whether the “what is this file?” description plausibly matches common real-world use of the extension, including category, typical MIME types, and aliases.
  • Opening paths: whether Windows / macOS / Linux steps read plausibly for current OS dialogs and default apps. Not every step was tested on every OS version.
  • Security framing: whether risk notes match the extension class (for example executables vs plain data) and whether affiliate wording does not contradict the security section.
  • Sources and further reading: external links should point to vendors, standards bodies, or other primary references where possible; not every detail is individually sourced.
  • Limits: this is clarity and safety-messaging QA, not a guarantee that every statement is exhaustive or that every binary you download is harmless. Pages without “Reviewed by” have not been through this editorial pass yet.

Full methodology in the Imprint — The Imprint also states where AI is used and what that does—and does not—replace.

Open on your device

Choose your operating system for a dedicated step-by-step opening guide.

How to open .XLS files

Use these platform-specific instructions to open .XLS files safely.

Windows

  1. Right-click the .XLS file and choose 'Open with'.
  2. Select Microsoft Excel or another compatible application.
Full Windows guide

Mac

  1. Control-click the .XLS file and choose 'Open With'.
  2. Select Microsoft Excel or an alternative compatible app.
Full Mac guide

Linux

  1. Right-click the .XLS file and select 'Open With'.
  2. Choose LibreOffice Calc or another supported application.
Full Linux guide

iOS

  1. Tap the .XLS file in the Files app.
  2. Select 'Open in' and choose a compatible app like Microsoft Excel or Numbers.
Full iOS guide

Android

  1. Tap the .XLS file in your file manager.
  2. Select an app such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to open it.
Full Android guide

Security notes

  • Only open .XLS files from trusted sources.
  • Be cautious of files containing macros; they can execute harmful code.
  • Use antivirus software to scan files before opening.

Can't open this file?

These are the most common causes and fixes when .XLS files fail to open.

Common reasons

  • File does not open
  • File opens with incorrect formatting

Fix steps

  1. Ensure a compatible app is installed and up to date.
  2. Check the file's integrity and source.
  3. Try opening it with a different application.

Repair a damaged .XLS file

If the file opens with errors or not at all, a dedicated repair tool can often rebuild it. Work on a copy and keep the original file untouched.

Wondershare Repairit (Files and Photos)

Repairs damaged Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF and ZIP files as well as corrupt photos.

We may earn a commission when you use affiliate links. This supports our free file extension guides.

Recover a deleted or lost .XLS file

If the file was deleted by mistake or the drive was formatted, data recovery software may be able to get it back. Stop writing to that drive right away, because new data can overwrite what you want to recover.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery

Windows software that recovers deleted or lost files from PCs and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and memory cards, after deletion, formatting or a crash.

Wondershare Recoverit

Windows and Mac software that recovers deleted or lost files from computers and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and SD cards.

We may earn a commission when you use affiliate links. This supports our free file extension guides.

OS-specific troubleshooting

Convert .XLS to other formats

Use conversion tools to change .XLS files into formats your software supports.

What is a .XLS file?

.XLS is a file format for spreadsheets created by Microsoft Excel, part of the Microsoft Office suite. It stores data in a tabular format and supports various features like formulas, charts, and macros.

Background

.XLS files are a legacy format for Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, introduced with Excel 97 and used until Excel 2003. They are binary files that store data in rows and columns, making them ideal for data analysis, financial modeling, and record-keeping. With the release of Excel 2007, the newer .XLSX format was introduced, which is based on XML and offers better data recovery and reduced file size. Despite the shift to .XLSX, .XLS remains in use due to compatibility with older systems and software. Users should be aware that .XLS files can contain macros, which are powerful but can pose security risks if sourced from untrusted origins.

Common MIME types: application/vnd.ms-excel

Further reading

Authoritative resources for more details on the .XLS format.

Common .XLS issues

File does not open

The file may not open if the necessary application is missing or the file is corrupted.

  1. Ensure a compatible app is installed and up to date.
  2. Check the file's integrity and source.
  3. Try opening it with a different application.

File opens with incorrect formatting

This can occur if the file is opened in an incompatible application.

  1. Use Microsoft Excel for the best compatibility.
  2. Check for software updates or try another app.

FAQ

Can I convert .XLS to .XLSX?

Yes, open the .XLS file in Excel and use 'Save As' to convert it to .XLSX.

Is .XLS still supported?

Yes, but newer formats like .XLSX offer better features and security.

Similar file extensions

Compare related formats in the same category to find the right tool faster.

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