Start Excel using the Command Prompt

As a user you get more control over the way you open Excel.

Excel command-line switches and parameters

These are the command switches available:

Switch and parameter
workbook path | file name
This parameter does not require a switch.

Description
Starts Excel and opens the specified file.
Example

excel.exe "c:\My Folder\book1.xlsx"
excel.exe http://MySite/Book1.xlsx

Switch and parameter
/r workbook path | file name

Description
Opens a specific workbook as read-only.

Example

excel.exe /r "c:\My Folder\book1.xlsx"
excel.exe /r http://MySite/Book1.xlsx

Switch and parameter
/t workbook path | file name

Description
Starts Excel and opens the specified file as a template.

Example

excel.exe /t "c:\My Folder\book_name.xlsx"
excel.exe /t http://MySite/book_name.xlsx

Switch and parameter
/n workbook path | file name

Description
Like /t, starts Excel and opens the specified file as a template.

Example

excel.exe /n "c:\My Folder\book_name.xlsx"
excel.exe /n http://MySite/book_name.xlsx

Switch and parameter
/e or /embed

Description
Prevents the Excel startup screen from appearing and a new blank workbook from opening.

Example

excel.exe /e

Switch and parameter
/p workbook path

Description
Specifies a folder as the active working folder (for example, the folder that is pointed to in the Save As dialog box).

Example

excel.exe /p “c:\My Folder”

Switch and parameter
/s or /safemode

Description
Forces Excel to bypass all files that are stored in startup directories, such as the default XLStart folder located in the directory where Excel or Microsoft Office is installed.

Example

excel.exe /s

Switch and parameter
/m

Description
Creates a new workbook that contains a single XLM macro sheet.

Example

excel.exe /m

Switch and parameter
/a ProgID

Description
Starts Excel and loads the Automation add-in that is specified by the progID of the add-in.

Example

excel.exe /a MyProgId.MyProgID2.1

Switch and parameter
/x

Description
Starts a new instance (a separate process) of Excel.

Example

excel.exe /x “c:\My Folder\book1.xlsx”
excel.exe /x http://MySite/Book1.xlsx