Open Excel files in separate windows and multiple instances

This guide provides the simplest methods for opening multiple Excel files in separate windows or new instances, without registry modifications. Working with spreadsheets across multiple windows significantly streamlines many Excel tasks. While side-by-side viewing is an option, it's not always ideal due to space constraints. Opening files in separate instances offers more than just comparison; it's akin to running multiple applications concurrently, allowing continued work on one workbook while another undergoes resource-intensive operations like recalculation.

Opening Excel Files in Separate Windows (Excel 2010 and Earlier)

Excel 2010 and prior versions utilized the Multiple Document Interface (MDI), where multiple child windows operate under a single parent window, sharing a common toolbar/menu. Here are three effective methods to open files in separate windows (which, in this case, are actually new Excel instances):

• Using the Taskbar Icon:

  1. Open your first file.
  2. Right-click the Excel taskbar icon and select "Microsoft Excel 2010" or "Microsoft Excel 2007". Navigate to File > Open to select your second workbook. Alternatively, hold Shift while clicking the taskbar icon, or use the scroll wheel to open a new instance. In older Windows versions, use the Start Menu to launch a new Excel instance.

  

• Using an Excel Shortcut:

  1. Locate the Excel.exe file (e.g., C:/Program Files/Microsoft Office/Office 14/EXCEL.EXE for Excel 2010).
  2. Create a desktop shortcut.

  

• Using the "Send To" Menu:

  1. Create an Excel shortcut (as above).
  2. Paste the shortcut into the C:/Users/UserName/AppData/Roaming/Microsoft/Windows/SendTo folder (make AppData visible in Folder Options).

  

Now, right-click files in Explorer and select Send to > Excel.

Additional Tips for Excel 2010 and Earlier: Consider disabling "Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)" in Advanced Excel Options.

Opening Excel Files in Multiple Windows (Excel 2013 and Later)

Excel 2013 and later use the Single Document Interface (SDI), opening each workbook in a separate window within the same instance. Simply use the Open command or double-click files in Explorer. To open in a new instance, follow the instructions below.

Opening Sheets of the Same Workbook in Separate Windows

1. Open the workbook.
2. On the View tab, click New Window.
3. Select the desired sheet in the new window.

Use Ctrl F6 to switch between windows.

Creating Multiple Excel Instances (Excel 2013 and Later)

Opening multiple workbooks in separate instances is beneficial when dealing with large files, resource-intensive tasks, or needing independent undo functionality.

• Using the Taskbar (Alt Key Method):

  1. Right-click the Excel taskbar icon.
  2. Hold Alt and left-click Excel in the menu. Hold Alt until the confirmation dialog appears.

  

• From Windows Explorer (Alt Key Method):

  1. Double-click the Excel file and immediately hold Alt.
  2. Hold Alt until the new instance dialog appears.

• Creating a Custom Shortcut:

  1. Obtain the Excel.exe path from the shortcut properties (e.g., "C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Microsoft Office\\root\\Office16\\EXCEL.EXE").
  2. Create a new shortcut, pasting the path followed by /x (e.g., "C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Microsoft Office\\root\\Office16\\EXCEL.EXE" /x).

  

Checking Running Instances

Use Task Manager (Ctrl Shift Esc) to view running Excel instances and their associated files.

This comprehensive guide simplifies the process of managing multiple Excel files across separate windows and instances, enhancing your productivity.

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