3 Fastest Ways to Fix Excel Found Unreadable Content

Unblock security option in the file if you encounter this issue

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Many Microsoft Excel users have encountered an Excel found unreadable content error when trying to open files. The error affects some files in some cases, while some users complain that it affects all files. However, this guide will discuss some fixes for the issue.

Also, you can read our guide on whyExcel file format and extension do not matchand how to fix the problem.

What causes Excel Found Unreadable Content error?

Below are some of the factors that can cause Excel found unreadable content errors:

The causes listed above are liable to vary on different computers depending on the circumstances. Going further into this article, we will take you through some basic steps for resolving the error.

Now, let’s dive into some actual solutions to fix the “Excel found unreadable content” error.

How can I fix Excel Found Unreadable Content error?

Try the following before proceeding with any advanced steps:

Proceed with the steps below if you still can’t get around the error:

1. Unblock the Security option for the Excel file

This solution works best because it removes potential security restrictions that may be preventing Excel from accessing your files. Unblocking the Security option for the Excel file removes any restrictions preventing it from being accessible.

2. Install the Visual Basic component

The above steps will force install the Visual Basic components which ensures that the prerequisites required by Excel are present and can fix the error.

3. Disable the hardware graphics acceleration

Disabling the hardware graphics acceleration will fix graphics settings preventing Excel from opening the file.

In conclusion, you can check ways to fix theExcel file that could not be found erroron Windows 11. Also, read about fixing theerrors that were detected while savingExcel errors in a few steps.

3 Fastest Ways to Fix Excel Found Unreadable Content#

What causes Excel Found Unreadable Content error?#

How can I fix Excel Found Unreadable Content error?#

1. Unblock the Security option for the Excel file#

2. Install the Visual Basic component#

3. Disable the hardware graphics acceleration#