3 ways to open a new Excel instance

Resource-intensive tasks like running macros, using add-ins and loading queries can cause Excel to become unresponsive for long periods.

Who really wants to see that dreaded spinning blue ring?

Thankfully, it's possible to open a new instance of Excel, an independent window that runs as though it's a separate application. This allows you to work in one while another chugs away.

There are a few ways to do this, including:

Taskbar method

Right-click the Excel icon, press and hold Alt and select 'Excel'.

Start menu method

Press and hold Alt and select the Excel icon.

File Explorer method

Right-click on your chosen Excel file, press and hold Alt and select 'Open'.With any of these, click 'Yes' in the dialog box when asked, "Do you want to start a new instance of Excel?"

For more Excel tips and tricks like this, check out our Video Tutorials page.