Windows 10 will reach EOS (end of support) on October 14, 2025. For more information, see this article.

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Downloaded excel files opened in multiple instances

  • 5 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 5 views
  • Last reply by FredMcD

Whenever I download then open the file from Firefox, it opens in a new Excel instance. Hence I am not able to move data to other workbook I had opened previously, and have to save it first, then reopen within the same instance. How do I force it to open in the same instance? I didn't have this problem before with Firefox, it worked just how I wanted. But suddenly something changed around 1 month ago (unknownly) and I have to go through extra step to save then reopen every time. I have searched the web for similar problem but none helped. I don't have this problem with Excel itself. (when double click on the files it always open in the same instance) Also, the same problem doesn't exist on my other computer (With the website/Firefox), so I'm just puzzled which part caused the problem. I've tried to reinstall Firefox, restore everything to default. But problem still existed. I don't recall changing any setting when this problem started to occur. Any help is appreciated!!!!

Whenever I download then open the file from Firefox, it opens in a new Excel instance. Hence I am not able to move data to other workbook I had opened previously, and have to save it first, then reopen within the same instance. How do I force it to open in the same instance? I didn't have this problem before with Firefox, it worked just how I wanted. But suddenly something changed around 1 month ago (unknownly) and I have to go through extra step to save then reopen every time. I have searched the web for similar problem but none helped. I don't have this problem with Excel itself. (when double click on the files it always open in the same instance) Also, the same problem doesn't exist on my other computer (With the website/Firefox), so I'm just puzzled which part caused the problem. I've tried to reinstall Firefox, restore everything to default. But problem still existed. I don't recall changing any setting when this problem started to occur. Any help is appreciated!!!!

Chosen solution

Are you downloading the file and saving it, or opening it in a program?

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (5)

Chosen Solution

Are you downloading the file and saving it, or opening it in a program?

I'm downloading the file (excel), and it will prompt up a window asking if you want to open with xxx application or save it. I choose to open with Excel, and a new excel instance will open with the file just downloaded. I'd like it to be open within the Excel instance I'm already on.

I see. The program already open is doing something. That is why a new window opens. Go to the open window, and select open file.

I know going through the route "open file" in EXCEL can assure me files are open within the same instance, but I want to eliminate this extra step. As mentioned, previously, this can be done without any problem. I'm just repeating the same step as done before, but suddenly, all these new downloaded files stopped open in the same instance, and I don't know which setting is off and caused this.

I don't know EXCEL, but the setting may be in EXCEL. Firefox would just hand the file over to whatever program.