Do you encounter this error when trying to open Microsoft Excel “This app can’t run on your PC”? That happened to me recently, and it was pretty frustrating—especially when I needed the file urgently.

In my case, I was trying to open an Excel file using an older version of Microsoft Excel, and that’s what caused the issue. But don’t worry—after a bit of trial and error, I found a couple of simple solutions that worked. Here’s what I did, in case it helps you too.

Fix #1: Use Compatibility Mode

If your Excel or app doesn’t open properly, you can try running it in a mode that makes it behave like it’s on an older version of Windows. Here’s how:

1. Right-click on the app’s icon (the one you use to open Excel).
   
2. Click Properties.
   
3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
   
4. Tick the box that says “Run this program in compatibility mode for”.
   
5. Choose an older version of Windows from the list (like Windows 8 or 7).
   
6. Click Apply, then OK.
   

Now try opening the app again. This usually does the trick.

Fix #2: Reconnect Excel to Your File

If your Excel file doesn’t open with a double-click but works when opened from inside Excel, try this:

1. First, open Excel (for example, Excel 2010).
   
2. Go to File > Open, then browse and open the file that’s giving problems.
   
3. If it opens fine, that means the file isn’t linked properly to Excel.
   

Here’s how to fix that:

1. Right-click the Excel file.
   
2. Choose Properties.
   
3. Next to “Opens with,” click Change.
   
4. Click More apps, then Look for another app on this PC.
   
5. Go to this folder:
   C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16 (may look different in your computer)
   
6. Choose the Excel app (look for EXCEL.EXE) and click Open.
   

Now your Excel file should open normally whenever you double-click it.