9 Opening Scenarios You Need to Know
Have you ever opened an Excel workbook only to find it behaving unexpectedly, with calculations not updating automatically? Excel’s calculation mode (Automatic or Manual) can sometimes feel unpredictable, especially if you’re frequently working with files of varying settings. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand how Excel handles calculation mode across different opening scenarios and what you can expect.
Opening Scenarios
| Scenario | Calculation Mode Behavior |
|---|---|
| 1. Open Excel from icon (no file selected) | Mode from last saved session |
| 2. Open file from file manager (Excel closed) | Mode as saved in that file |
| 3. Open file in existing Excel session | Mode of the first workbook in that session |
| 4. Open from email or web link | Mode of the file, or first workbook mode if another session is open |
| 5. Add-ins enabled during Excel launch | May override to Manual or Automatic depending on add-in |
| 6. Open via VBA/Macro | Controlled by the VBA code (xlAutomatic or xlManual) |
| 7. Excel Online | Always Automatic |
| 8. Protected View | Mode of the file initially, then session mode if editing enabled |
| 9. Reopening a recently closed file | Inherits the mode of the current session |
1. Opening Excel from the Icon (No File Selected)
When you open Excel by clicking its icon (without opening a specific workbook), Excel will apply the calculation mode used in the last saved session. If your last session ended in Manual mode, Excel will open in Manual mode by default for the new session. If the previous session was saved in Automatic mode, then that’s what Excel will use.
Key Tip: The calculation mode in this case is inherited from the last session on that computer, which can sometimes surprise you if others also use Excel on the same machine.
2. Opening a Workbook Directly from File Manager (Excel Closed)
If Excel is not already open and you double-click a file in File Explorer or Finder, Excel will use the calculation mode saved in that workbook. For example, if the file was saved in Manual mode, Excel will open it in Manual mode; if saved in Automatic, it will open in Automatic.
Note: This is the most predictable scenario—Excel simply follows the mode saved with the workbook.
3. Opening a Workbook in an Existing Excel Session
If you already have an Excel session open and then open another file, Excel will apply the calculation mode of the first workbook opened in that session. Any new workbook opened will adopt the mode of the first file, even if it was saved with a different setting.
Example: Suppose the first workbook opened in the session is in Manual mode; every subsequent workbook opened in that session will also be in Manual mode, regardless of their saved settings.
4. Opening a Workbook from an Email Attachment or Web Link
Opening a file directly from an email attachment or web link behaves similarly to opening from the file manager:
- If Excel is not already open, the calculation mode of the workbook will be as saved.
- If an Excel session is already open, the workbook will adopt the mode of the first open workbook in that session.
5. Using Excel with Add-Ins Enabled
Certain add-ins can influence Excel’s calculation mode. Some add-ins, especially those used to improve performance, may force Excel to open in Manual mode. This can override the calculation mode of the session and persist until the add-in is disabled or the mode is manually changed.
Watch Out: If you have performance-heavy add-ins, you may find Excel switching to Manual mode unexpectedly.
6. Opening Workbooks Through VBA or Macros
When you open workbooks through VBA or macros, you have direct control over the calculation mode in the code. For instance, by including Application.Calculation = xlManual or xlAutomatic, you can ensure the workbook opens with a specific mode, regardless of the session’s mode or the workbook’s saved setting.
Pro Tip: This is a reliable way to standardize calculation mode in automated processes or custom workflows.
7. Opening in Excel Online
Excel Online always operates in Automatic mode and does not support Manual mode. This means that if you open a workbook saved in Manual mode on your desktop in Excel Online, it will recalculate automatically. Any changes saved in Excel Online will reflect Automatic mode, which may carry over if you reopen the file on the desktop.
8. Protected View Mode
When opening a workbook in Protected View (from an untrusted source or downloaded file), Excel initially opens it with the calculation mode saved in the file. However:
- If the workbook is in Manual mode, recalculations may be delayed until you click Enable Editing.
- Once editing is enabled, the workbook will follow the session’s calculation mode if other workbooks are already open.
9. Reopening a Recently Closed File in the Same Session
If you close a workbook but leave Excel open, then reopen the same workbook in the same session, it will inherit the current session’s mode. This can be different from its saved mode if other workbooks with a different calculation mode are already open.
Example: If you open a workbook in Manual mode, close it, then open a different workbook saved in Automatic mode, reopening the first file will now have it inherit Automatic mode from the current session.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Excel’s calculation mode behavior can save you from unexpected delays or inaccuracies, especially when working with complex or large files. If you frequently switch between modes or need consistent settings, consider using shortcuts, macros, or carefully configuring your add-ins.