Share this article
Improve this guide
FIX: Sorry, Excel cannot open two workbooks with the same name
Renaming one of the files will solve this issue right away
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
The error Sorry, Excel can’t open two workbooks with the same name occur when you try to refresh a workbook containing Quick reports and or Time series. This error can also occur when launching Microsoft Excel with a blank page.
This error usually occurs if there is a conflict between 2 versions of the Excel add-in. If you have set up an add-on that loads when launching the Excel app, check the app for any conflicts.
In this article, we explore a few troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the Sorry, Excel can’t open two workbooks with the same name error when using Microsoft Excel.
How do I fix the Sorry, Excel can’t open two workbooks with the same name error?
1. Rename the file
Alternatively, try starting a new instance of Excel and check if that resolves the error. Here’s how to do it.
2. Check for multiple add-on installation
You may encounter issues if you have installed an add-in with the same name from two different sources even if the add-ins are in different formats like DLL, and XLSM, the issue can still occur. Disable the add-on to fix the error triggered due to a conflict.
Alternatively, if you know which add-in is causing the error, navigate toC:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel\XLSTARTand then delete the .xla file related to the add-in.
3. Repair Excel installation
After the repair is finished, open Microsoft Excel and check if the error is resolved.
4. Update/ Reinstall Microsoft Officer
Update the Office app
If the error persists, try reinstalling the app to fix any issues that may occur due to file corruption or a glitch.
Uninstall Microsoft Office
The error Sorry, Excel can’t open two workbooks with the same name usually occurs due to an add-in conflict during the start.
Follow the steps above to find and delete the conflicting add-on to fix the error. Do let us know which method helped you in the comments below.
Tashreef Shareef
Tashreef Shareef is a software developer turned tech writer. He discovered his interest in technology after reading a tech magazine accidentally. Now he writes about everything tech from Windows to iOS and streaming services to IoT at WindowsReport.
User forum
2 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Tashreef Shareef
