Forum Discussion
Excel dominance
For many years I have been using Apache Software's Open Office spreadsheets (".ods"). When I opened one today, Excel in Read-Only mode appeared. It said that to add to or edit the existing content, I would have to purchase Microsoft 365. That is "restricting competition" in law. I do not know how this has happened. How can I delete the Excel program permanently because it reappears when I reboot my computer?
1 Reply
Remove or disable Microsoft Excel
If you don’t want Excel at all:
On Windows 10 / 11
- Press Windows Key + I → open Settings.
- Go to Apps → Installed Apps (or Apps & features).
- Find Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 Apps in the list.
- Click Uninstall and follow the prompts.
Note: If Excel came preinstalled, uninstalling it removes the whole Microsoft 365 Apps suite. If you only see "Microsoft Office Click-to-Run" or "Microsoft 365", that’s the one to uninstall.
Change the default app for .ods files
If you still want Excel available but don’t want it opening .ods files:
- Right-click on an .ods file.
- Select Open with → Choose another app.
- Select Open Office Calc (or Libre Office Calc, if you have it installed).
- Tick Always use this app to open .ods files.
- Click OK.
Now .ods files will always open in Open Office instead of Excel.
Prevent Excel from reappearing after reboot
If Excel seems to come back on reboot:
- That usually means it wasn’t uninstalled, but just had shortcuts re-created.
- Once you uninstall Microsoft 365 Apps (step 1), it won’t reinstall itself unless:
- You have a vendor-supplied PC that pushes it back via manufacturer’s update tools. In that case, check your PC’s OEM updater (e.g., Dell SupportAssist, HP Support Assistant, Lenovo Vantage) and disable automatic app reinstalls. The text was created with the help of AI.
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