How to open two excel files in two excel windows using multiple monitors in Windows 7.
Currently it opens multiple files on top of each other on the same one monitor.


I found this article in a blog it says

"The snap feature that you are looking for will not work unless you open two instances of Excel. This is because Excel Unlike Word is not a True SDI Application. Microsoft is aware of the Issue however there is no resolution to the problem but the workaround"

• Moved by David WoltersModerator Tuesday, March 13, 2012 9:03 PM moving to a more appropriate forum (From:Windows 7 Installation, Setup, and Deployment)

• Proposed as answer by Dale Qiao Friday, March 12, 2010 5:57 AM
• Marked as answer by Dale Qiao Sunday, March 14, 2010 1:47 AM

• Proposed as answer by Dale Qiao Friday, March 12, 2010 6:01 AM
• Marked as answer by Dale Qiao Sunday, March 14, 2010 1:47 AM

Hi,

Thanks this worked, but I launched the second Excel instance from my Start Menu, didn't need a desktop shortcut.

• Proposed as answer by Terence_H14 Thursday, April 01, 2010 12:15 PM

To Dale:

Your comment is *entirely* NOT what the user wants to know (nor I).

The question could not have been simpler: How does a user open two excel documents.

Your solution is show different windows in the taskbar???

To Pieter:

The whole problem is how to open TWO DIFFERENT excel documents individually.  Did you even try this before posting -- it's not possible.  Your solution is to do just do it???

All the other responses here are useless as well.

I can never understand in forums when users don't understand how to answer a question, but then respond with a solution for a different question.

We want to know HOW TO OPEN TWO SEPARATE EXCEL DOCS.  If you don't know how to do it, simply don't respond, and that saves tonnes of users from fiddling around trying to read all these comments from people who decided to comment, but NOT answer the question.

• Proposed as answer by Pr Dh Friday, January 21, 2011 1:32 PM
• Unproposed as answer by David WoltersModerator Tuesday, March 13, 2012 9:00 PM
• Proposed as answer by reoroman Sunday, January 06, 2013 7:42 AM

Reduced everthing I read to these 2 short and easy to remember methods:

• SHIFT + Left Click on the Excel shortcut will to open another instance of excel which you can then move to another monitor. 

 OR

• RIGHT click on the Excel icon pinned to taskbar and LEFT click Microsoft Excel 2010 will also open another instance.

You still have to then open the spreadsheet you want but its a simple solution.   Works in Office 2010 with Windoes 7 64bit. 

• Proposed as answer by mstewar78 Wednesday, June 08, 2011 4:42 PM

The best thing that's worked for me is to use the "Send To" menu to open new instances of Excel for my dual-monitor Excel use.  With this technique, you right-click on an excel spreadsheet file, hover on "Sent To" in the context menu, and select "Excel" and it opens in a new window. Works with Excel 2007/2010 in W7.

To make Excel be an option in the "Send To" context menu, it's explained in this blog:

http://fielddata.blogspot.com/2011/07/opening-excel-20072010-in-new-windows.html

The only thing that doesn't work for me is when I'm opening Excel attachments from emails since the "Send To" option isn't available from my email program.

Colin

• Proposed as answer by Michael A. Repucci Wednesday, December 19, 2012 5:59 PM

• Proposed as answer by AnneEK Wednesday, May 09, 2012 5:13 PM
• Unproposed as answer by AnneEK Wednesday, May 09, 2012 5:13 PM
• Proposed as answer by AnneEK Wednesday, May 09, 2012 5:16 PM

If you are working almost the entire day in front of your computer at your office with lots of Excel Sheets and Word, then probably you might be working with a dual monitor or may be even more than that. Studies have shown that having an additional monitor increases the productivity by 20 to 30 percent (Source: NY Times)

But some applications like MS Office Excel, even though you open multiple files, they are all from the same instance of the application. So if you want to compare two Excel files, then you may not be able to have it in two separate monitors as the files are loaded using the same instance of Excel. If you move one Excel file to the other window, the other Excel files are also moved to the other window.

So how to have two separate Excel files or other application side by side in dual monitors?

Option A:

In Excel 2003, go to Tools -> Options -> General tab.

Make sure the option, Ignore other applications is checked. Now all the Excel files will be opened as separate instance and you can move the Excel files individually across the monitors.

In Excel 2007, Click the Office button -> Excel Options -> Advanced.

Under General, check Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange.

or

As this method forces each Excel file as a separate instance, the memory consumption will be more. If you dont want too many memory consumption then you can open only two instances (see Option B) and manage wisely to view in both the monitors.

Note: If you are having issues like Excel opens without displaying a workbook, then you may have to uncheck this option. (See Microsoft Help for more details on this). You can use option B in this case. I have this option checked and I have not faced any issue yet.

Option B:

They key here is, the application has to be loaded as separate instances. Lets say you have opened an Excel file in Monitor 1 and you want to open the next excel file in Monitor 2. You can usually open another instance of Excel by browsing through the Start Menu -> Programs -> Microsoft Office -> Excel. Make sure this newly opened Excel file is the last Excel file you had viewed and then double click on the Excel file that you wanted to open. This will force the Excel to open in the second instance of Excel. Now you can move these two excel files separately across windows or monitors.

This may be little cumbersome way to open new instances of Excel every time. The easy solution would be to keep these links in the quick links near the Start button. So, every time you want to open a new instance of the application, you can just use those quick links.

hope work thanks

http://www.lytebyte.com/2008/05/13/how-to-open-two-excel-files-side-by-side-in-separate-monitors/

• Proposed as answer by winz zh Thursday, April 19, 2012 3:22 AM
• Edited by winz zh Thursday, April 19, 2012 3:23 AM

Running Multiple Instances of Excel 2003

Be careful in changing the settings, could cause problems.

One thing you can check. I don't know any option in excel to for to open (or not open) another instance when you double click the file. However, you can do it by direct configuration in windows.

Usually the Open of an excel document is done via DDE and that's why it opens the file in the same instance. You can change it by not using DDE to open the file.

In the windows explorer, in Tools - Folder Options - File types, select the  XLS extension, Click Advanced and select OPEN then click the edit button.

In my case it has the "Use DDE" box checked (and below the DDE message Open "%1").

Uncheck "Use DDE"

Now you have to include the parameter in the command line.

The command line is something like:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE" /e "%1"

Now, each time we double click a file excel launches a new instance.

Pasted from <http://www.mrexcel.com/forum/showthread.php?t=280472>

• Proposed as answer by gcallantii Monday, August 12, 2013 4:32 PM

Sorry I've tried to propose an answer but I guess I don't fully understand how this posting works. So, I'm trying as a reply to your original.  You can do the same thing with PowerPoint that Scotslad007 suggested above for Excel.  I tried it and it worked great.

• Proposed as answer by AnneEK Wednesday, May 09, 2012 5:21 PM
• Edited by AnneEK Wednesday, May 09, 2012 5:22 PM

Follow these steps:

Start -> type "run" into the "Search Programs and files" and hit Enter -> type regedit and hit Enter:

Left column: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/Excel.Sheet.8/shell/Open/commend:

Right column {adding (space)"%1"}: (be sure to include the quotation marks when typing)

Double Click on (Default) and write - "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\EXCEL.EXE" /e "%1"

Right Click on Command choose "rename" and add something to the name  - for example 2 (commend2).

Left column: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/Excel.Sheet.8/shell/Open/ddeexec:

Right Click on the folder ddeexec and choose "rename" and add something to the name  - for example 2 (ddeexec2)

Left column HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/Excel.Sheet.12/shell/Open/commend:

Right column {adding (space)"%1"}

Double Click on (Default) and write - "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\EXCEL.EXE" /e "%1"

Right Click on Command choose "rename" and add something to the name  - for example 2 (commend2).

no restart needed. You can do this for .CSV files as well. Have Fun, and please share this answer with others

• Proposed as answer by Sir C Mac Tuesday, November 27, 2012 10:34 PM

Nice! This worked great for me- great detail with the directions, this showed me exactly how to get there, and exactly how to edit the command parameter. Note: This also worked for me with .xlsx, and with .xlsm (macro-enabled) I would assume that if you used another type of extensions (i.e. .xlsb for binary, then you could follow the same steps and you could also open multiple instances, but I only use .xls, xlsx, and xlsm which I would assume the majority of people use). 

I am using XP (with Office 2010) at work, and that is mainly what I needed to open multiple instances up for, I don't know if it works on Windows 7, but I would assume that if you are using at least office 2010, it should work the same way. I can try it at home, and let you know if this method works on Win 7.

Thanks again! 

• Proposed as answer by VicTom Friday, September 13, 2013 5:10 AM
• Unproposed as answer by VicTom Friday, September 13, 2013 5:10 AM
• Proposed as answer by VicTom Friday, September 13, 2013 5:10 AM

The easy way to open two or more excel files separately.

I use Windows 7 and Excel 2010. This is what works for me (just figured it out):

1. Create shortcut on Desktop

2. Open your first Excel file and place it on the screen you want

3. Open a new Excel file from the Excel icon on Desktop

4.  The new file will open on top of the one you have already opened.  Drag it to the other screen

5.  Drag the icon for the second Excel file INTO the new (blank) Excel document

Voila!  Two separate screens.

You answered this question perfectly and your response actual gave the results we were looking for. Thank you. It's a couple of steps to do it each time, but the results work.

Take Care.

Unlike the previous post, your instructions are clear and concise. I was able to solve the problem that's been bothering me for a while.

Thanks

Blog here gives you a reg file you can run that works great for Office 2010 and Office 2007

http://www.interworks.com/blogs/jvalente/2010/01/05/how-open-microsoft-office-2007-or-office-2010-excel-documents-new-or-diffe

Ok, this will be slightly complicated... first you'll need to browse down to this key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Excel.Sheet.8\shell\Open\command
====================================================================
Important: At this point you should right-click on the Excel.Sheet.8 key and choose to Export to a registry file that can be used to restore in case something breaks. If something breaks I don't take responsibility! =)
====================================================================

The (default) value will be something like this:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\EXCEL.EXE" /e

And you'll want to append a "%1" to the end of that, making it:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\EXCEL.EXE" /e "%1"

Next you'll want to rename the command key, which is right below the (Default) key, to command2 or something else.

Next you'll need to rename the ddeexec key here to ddeexec2 or something else:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Excel.Sheet.8\shell\Open\ddeexec

This will make the change for the Excel 97-2003 filetype. If you want to do the same thing for Excel 2007 files, you'll need to make the changes to the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Excel.Sheet.12 key.

Here's a screenshot of the final way it should look (note that my excel install directory will likely be different than yours):

Once you do this, you should be able to double-click on excel files, and each one will open in a new window.

Thank you Dale, it works for me. It is really appreciated.

Cheers,

Mike

Thank you so much, Dale.  I can do it successfully.

Regards,
Nay.

I am not a defender of that Redmond company.  They do have to design something that works for most but there are so many possible configurations and situations, so I think this is one of those that need some work. 

I do want to thank those who share.

My issue was that I have pinned an Excel shortcut on the taskbar for easy lauch, but that also automatically put the second sheet on the same Window/Instance, and not letting me launch a seperate Excel sheet with that same shortcut.  So I could not move the second sheet to the second minitor.

To fix this, I unpin the Excel shortcut from the task bar, andput the Excel shourtcut on the Desktop, and that Desk top shortcut allows me to lauch as many seperate Excel workbook as I want.  

This is just one of the many easy fixes.  The KEY is not to put the Excel shortcut in the TASK BAR.

i just found this for 2007 and it worked with out all the regedit and what not

you dont need to have dual monitors to make it happen ... 

start --- run --- excel.exe /x

hope this works for everyone else!!

Thanks, i had to buy a computer, get an Internet connection and join this webiste just to tell you that your a moron.

Thanks for posting this.

You just saved me a good amount of time of searching for an answer.

JM

Ok, I got frustrated when trying to find a simple solution to this problem.  My bookkeeper wanted to open two excel spreadsheets, each in a different window on a different monitor.  Excel would not allow this to happen.  By default, Excel would open the new child windows inside the parent window. 

This is a workaround and is not a seamless automated transition from default.

My solution was to go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14 (for Office 2010) and find the EXCEL.EXE file.  Right click EXCEL.EXE and Send to --> Desktop (Create Shortcut).  Open Excel from the shortcut and drag it to the second monitor.  Open Excel again from the shortcut and leave it on the first monitor.  Drag the first Excel file that you want to open into the first Excel window and drag the second Excel file that you want to open into the second Excel window.  Now you have two Excel files open in two Excel windows and on two monitors.  I'm sorry that my instructions are not more clear or easier to understand, but I'm short on time and really wanted to share my find.  If I have repeated what somebody else posted as a fix, I apologize.  I quit reading through posts at the time of frustration.  However, my solution worked and my bookkeeper squeeled with delight.  Hope this helps.

• Edited by KC117MX Saturday, April 05, 2014 9:12 PM

Dear Friend,

thank you very much ,  this is very useful advice.

regards,

Madhukar

Open the first file in Excel and drag the window to the monitor where you want to view that file.

Press the Shift Key and click the Excel Taskbar icon to open a second instance of Excel. Position that new window onto the other monitor. Use File/Open to open the second file in that window.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-files/viewing-excel-files-using-two-monitors/587e19cc-25b7-45b4-9e2d-4dfaf936e184?rtAction=1404001779830

@Scotslad007: You are my HERO !!!

Also from taskbar click middle mouse button works same as SHIFT + click on shortcut.

• Edited by Betlista Tuesday, July 01, 2014 8:52 AM reply not visible well

Thank you, Sir C Mac - Works a treat!

Just a typo in both 'Left column:' lines. Should be command not commend

Cheers

Max

• Edited by Max_007 Thursday, July 31, 2014 6:51 AM

Dear friend the simplest answer:

OPEN an Excel File you want to work on

Then Right Click the Excel icon that opened in your task bar if it is already pinned to the taskbar.

Select Microsoft Excel "2010" year could be different on your office.

You have two excel files now in seperated windows. Just drag it to your other screen.

And open the second file from the Excels menu File Open

If it helps dont read the rest of this post.

Quote from helpful Dale which is already done in your default settings.

"Excel 2007 provides a simple solution for users who want to open all Excel files in separate windows. To access this setting, open Microsoft Excel. Click the Office Button and then click Excel Options, which is down at the bottom right side of the menu. Select Advanced, which is on the left, and then scroll down to Display. Select the Show All Windows in Taskbar checkbox and then click OK."

Bros before worksheets 

Have a Nice Day :)

• Edited by pozitrone Tuesday, September 30, 2014 9:55 AM

Reduced everthing I read to these 2 short and easy to remember methods:

• SHIFT + Left Click on the Excel shortcut will to open another instance of excel which you can then move to another monitor. 

 OR

• RIGHT click on the Excel icon pinned to taskbar and LEFT click Microsoft Excel 2010 will also open another instance.

You still have to then open the spreadsheet you want but its a simple solution.   Works in Office 2010 with Windoes 7 64bit. 

 

 PERFECT! Exactly what I wanted!  Thanks!

For the folks in the crowd who don't mind a little VBA to save a few clicks- I mostly prefer to open files in the same instance, for easier movement of data across workbooks. However, I have one business process where I run macros in several workbooks at the same time and wanted seperate instances of Excel so they could work across multiple CPUs. I added this and linked it to a ribbon button, so I can just click the ribbon, select the file(s), and have them all open in new instances.

 Sub OpenFilesInNewInstances()
      Dim FileNames As Variant
      Dim Msg As String
      Dim i As Integer
      FileNames = Application.GetOpenFilename(MultiSelect:=True)
      If IsArray(FileNames) Then

          For i = LBound(FileNames) To UBound(FileNames)

                Set oXL = CreateObject("Excel.Application")
                oXL.Visible = True
                oXL.Workbooks.Open FileNames(i), ReadOnly:=False
          Next i

      Else
          MsgBox "No files were selected."
      End If
  End Sub

http://blog.lavablast.com/post/2012/06/05/Microsoft-Excel-on-Multi-Monitor-Machines.aspx

This was the best solution I've found.  Works great.

• Proposed as answer by jharold12 11 hours 52 minutes ago

http://blog.lavablast.com/post/2012/06/05/Microsoft-Excel-on-Multi-Monitor-Machines.aspx

This was the best solution I've found.  Works great.

• Proposed as answer by jharold12 Friday, February 06, 2015 12:00 AM

Thank you for the best answer here. Did the second option and worked like a charm, after struggling for a year to do this. This DOES answer the question the original poster asked. THANK YOU

 I know exactly what you're asking, I haven't tried it with Windows 7 and 2010, we had the problem with 2007 and XP, used these free reg hacks to get it done. But I am going to test this with 2010 and Windows 7, see if the right click method still works.

 http://www.online-tech-tips.com/ms-office-tips/how-to-open-a-new-instance-of-excel-2007-workbooks/

 I have an account on Experts-Exchange, I may look there as well, it's a real p*&^ off, MS should have this built in. I know exactly what your issue is, we have it as well.

 

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