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CodeKamil's avatar
CodeKamil
Copper Contributor
Feb 12, 2026

Excel - single window, more files

How difficult it is to convince Microsoft team to fix major problems?

I've recently switched to new Excel and I'm ...amazed. We used to be able to open multiple files, sheets in the same window. Opening multiple windows was possible as well. Now everything, even the same sheet is in new window. Every new window has it's own tool ribbon. Which is taking space. Ribbons do not synchronize - also slowing down the work. I get that there is and idea behind it. Probably more stable, easier to code or something entirely different that I do not know. But this is so annoying to work with.

Is it possible to convince Microsoft that they should find a solution to problem they created?

 

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3 Replies

  • Olufemi7's avatar
    Olufemi7
    Iron Contributor
    Feb 13, 2026

    HelloCodeKamil​, 

    Since Excel 2013, Microsoft Excel uses a Single Document Interface (SDI) model, meaning each workbook opens in its own top-level window with its own ribbon. This replaced the older Multiple Document Interface (MDI) used in Excel 2010 and earlier. The change was intentional and is part of the core application architecture, so it cannot be reverted through settings. Microsoft’s documented reasons include improved multi-monitor support, better window management within Windows, and improved stability and crash isolation. See: Differences between Excel 2010 and Excel 2013 (Microsoft documentation) https://learn.microsoft.com/office/troubleshoot/excel/differences-between-excel-2010-and-excel-2013 There is currently no option to return to the legacy single-window behavior. As workarounds, you can use View > Arrange All, View > View Side by Side, and View > Switch Windows to manage multiple workbooks more efficiently. If you want Microsoft to consider usability improvements (for example ribbon synchronization or optional window grouping), the appropriate channel is File > Feedback > Send a Suggestion inside Excel, or the Microsoft Feedback Portal at https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com Product changes are driven by telemetry and consolidated feedback rather than forum discussions, so submitting and upvoting structured suggestions there is the most effective approach.

    • m_tarler's avatar
      m_tarler
      Bronze Contributor
      Feb 13, 2026

      Another option is to move to the online browser based version of Excel and then you can have multiple excel sheets open in 1 'window' with multiple tabs.  Another added benefit with this is you can have the SAME workbook to 2 different sheets on 2 different tabs or windows. 

  • Lorenzo's avatar
    Lorenzo
    Silver Contributor
    Feb 12, 2026

    Hi CodeKamil​ 

    I've recently switched to new Excel...

    You were probably running Excel <= 2010 that was using a Single Document Interface (SDI). Since Excel 2013 the latter uses a Multiple Document Interface (MDI) - see Comparing Single and Multiple Document Interfaces for more info.

    Is it possible to convince Microsoft that they should find a solution to problem they created?

    The above article should answer your question