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How to change the default template that is used whenever I create a new .xlsx file?
I have created a workbook that I would like to use as a template for all new .xlsx files that I create from file explorer. I have read several guides online and almost all of them say the same thing....
Ah - that won't work. The template you get by selecting File>New>New Blank Template is a built-in template that cannot be changed.
Book.xltx will be used when
- You start Excel.
- You press Ctrl+N.
- You click New on the Quick Access Toolbar.
ssgchenhaving had this same problem, I have managed to find a solution if it is still of interest to you.
Unfortunately explorer does not respect the default excel template, instead there is a separate file that is mapped via a registry entry. On the plus side, this means that there is a way to update it if you have administrator privileges on your machine.
Steps:
- Save an xlsx file based on your previously created template
- Open registry editor and navigate to Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.xlsx\Excel.Sheet.12\ShellNew
- In explorer, navigate to the folder indicated in the "FileName" item (should be something like C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Root\VFS\Windows\ShellNew\excel12.xlsx)
- Replace the excel file in this folder with the xlsx file based on the template