Bug in Excel 2016 (Version 1707): Excel starts with no - Microsoft Community

by default, when starts excel start menu, excel started startup screen showing file->new backstage screen. 

in recent version of excel 2016 (i'm testing 32-bit version 1707 - 16.0.8326.2062), when xll excel add-in installed, excel start no startup screen. in past, installing xll excel add-in did not change start-up behaviour, es expected. 

similarly, if you've turned startup screen off (say, described @ https://support.office.com/en-us/article/turn-off-the-start-screen-1f2834b4-09d4-490d-9c04-5d9f1b25ff70), starting excel should create default workbook called workbook1. but, if have xll excel add-in installed, excel starts no default workbook opened.

to sum up, if xll excel add-in installed, excel incorrectly opens in "all workbooks closed" state (when start start menu).

detailed steps create xll excel add-in, install , test:

• install visual studio 2017 c++ tools.
• download , install excel 2013 xll software development kit here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-za/download/details.aspx?id=35567
• open "developer command prompt vs 2017" , change directory samples subdirectory of xll sdk.
• rebuild samples entering "make.bat release build x86" @ developer command prompt.
• check file samples\example\release\example.xll has been created.
• open excel , press alt t, open add-ins dialog. press browse , navigate select example.xll add-in. should display "example standalone dll", checkmark next it. click ok - message pop indicating add-in installed.
• close excel , reopen.
• notice excel has opened no workbook, , recent / new backstage display displayed.
• create new workbook, press alt t, display add-ins dialog , remove add-in.
• close excel , reopen confirm normal.

i have tested various different .xll excel add-ins, including native c++ add-ins sample official excel sdk, , using add-ins created excel-dna library.

the problem reported , discussed on msdn forum here: https://social.msdn.microsoft.com/forums/office/en-us/2bb21bfb-4940-4a68-9656-743ae0b8b4da/bug-in-excel-2016-excel-starts-with-no-default-workbook-or-start-page-if-an-xll-is-registered?forum=exceldev 

-govert

hi govert,

 

thanks sharing experience.

 

in case, i’ll suggest provide feedback excel team excel 2016 application clicking on file>feedback.

 

additionally, month on aug 7th office 2016 update released i.e. version 1707 (build 8326.2070, can update office version , check if problem persists.

 

regards,

neha

Office / Excel / Windows 10 / Office 365 for business