Fix export to Excel issues in QuickBooks Desktop

Learn what to do if the export to Excel option is greyed out or you can't select it.

If you have Microsoft Excel installed on your computer but you can't export reports and other forms from QuickBooks, don't worry. A few updates should fix the issue.

In this article, you'll learn how to:

• Update QuickBooks Desktop
• Check QuickBooks system requirements
• Repair Microsoft Office
• Toggle Windows User Account Controls (UAC)
• Reinstall QuickBooks

Note: If you’re using Microsoft Office 365, use the version installed on your computer. Don’t use the web browser version.

Step 1: Update QuickBooks Desktop

Make sure your version of QuickBooks is up-to-date. After you update, open QuickBooks and export a report:

1. Go to the Reports menu and open any report on the list.
2. Select the Excel button. All export options, including Excel, should be available.

If you still can't export, move on to Step 2.

Step 2: Check QuickBooks system requirements

Each version of QuickBooks Desktop works with specific versions of Microsoft Office. Check the system requirements for your version of QuickBooks: 2021, 2022, 2023.

If your version of Microsoft Office isn't compatible, you'll need to upgrade.

If your version is compatible, move on to Step 3.

Step 3: Repair Microsoft Office

Follow the steps from Microsoft to repair Microsoft Office.

Then go back into QuickBooks and export a report. If you still can't, move on to Step 4.

Step 4: Toggle Windows User Account Controls (UAC)

Toggle your Windows UAC settings on and off. This should reset anything blocking the export feature.

Note: These steps work for Windows 7, 8, and 10.

1. Open the Windows Start menu. Type User Account Control Settings into the search and open User Account Control Settings.
2. Select and move the slider to Never Notify. Then select OK.
3. Restart your computer.

Go back into QuickBooks and export a report. If you can export a report, everything is fixed. If you can't, move on to Step 5.

Step 5: Reinstall QuickBooks

Microsoft Office and Excel need to be installed on your computer before you install QuickBooks. If you didn't install Microsoft Office first, uninstall and reinstall QuickBooks Desktop.

When you're done, go back into QuickBooks and export a report. If you still can't, you may need to follow the steps from Microsoft to uninstall and reinstall Excel.