ArcGIS Pro freezes when working with Excel files

Description

ArcGIS Pro freezes, crashes or experiences slow performance when working with Excel files in the .xlsx format. These include adding an Excel table to the map, specifying an Excel file in a geoprocessing tool, and opening table properties.

In Task Manager, The ExcelToSQLite64 service is shown to use a high amount of the machine’s resources, which contributes to poor performance.

In some cases, this issue occurs even when the following drivers required for ArcGIS Pro 3.0 are installed:

• Microsoft .NET 6 Desktop Runtime - Windows x64 Installer.
• Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable 64-bit driver.

Cause

• The Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable 64-bit driver for Excel is not installed or an outdated version of the driver is used.
• In cases where the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable 64-bit driver for Excel is installed, the installation may be corrupt or is not detected by ArcGIS Pro.

Solution or Workaround

Install the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable 64-bit driver

To work with Excel files, the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable 64-bit driver for Excel must be installed. After installing the driver, restart the machine. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Install the drivers to work with Microsoft Excel files for more information.

Reinstall the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable 64-bit driver

1. On the Windows taskbar, click Start.
2. Search for and open Control Panel.
3. Under Programs, click Uninstall a program.
4. Double-click Windows Access database engine 2016 (English) and click Yes.
5. Download and install the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable 64-bit driver.
6. Restart the machine after the installation is complete.

Use a CSV file instead of an Excel file

Consider using a CSV file instead of an Excel file as CSV files do not require the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable 64-bit driver to work. Follow this workflow to save an Excel file as a CSV file.

1. Open the Excel file in Microsoft Excel and click File > Save As.
2. On the Save As page, specify the folder save location.
3. In the Save As window, click the Save as type drop-down menu, and select CSV (Comma delimited). Click Save.