How to open .XLS files on Linux
To open .XLS files on Linux, open the .xls file from your file manager with open with..
Step-by-step instructions
- Open the .XLS file from your file manager with Open With.
- Choose an installed Linux app that supports this format.
Recommended software
- Microsoft 365
- LibreOffice
- Google Docs (web)
Alternative methods
- Open .XLS in a browser-based viewer if desktop apps fail.
- Try opening .XLS on Linux with a secondary app to rule out app-specific issues.
- Convert .XLS only with trusted tools when direct opening is not possible.
Common issues
.XLS file does not open
This usually means the required app is missing or the .XLS file is incomplete.
- Install or update a compatible application.
- Verify the file came from a trusted source and was fully downloaded.
- Try opening the file in an alternative app on another platform.
Security note
Only open .XLS files from trusted senders.