When managing the company's old files, I encountered a bunch of Xls format form files. As the default format of Excel 2003 and previous versions, during the gradual update of subsequent versions of Office, it is very likely that problems such as inability to open, blocked functions or poor compatibility will occur. However, the new version of Xlsx format not only has smaller file volume, more powerful data processing ability, but also has higher security than the old version. Whether it is to improve our work efficiency or to save files for a long time, it is very necessary for us to batch convert the old Xls format to Xlsx format.
So apart from manually opening and saving one file at a time as Xlsx format, what else can we do to quickly convert the old version of Excel file into the new version of XLsx format for you. This text explains several methods from 0 to 1 to help you learn to convert Xls into Xlsx format in batches. Let's learn this technique to improve efficiency!
What do I need to batch convert multiple Xls to the new Xlsx format?
Software version compatibility
with the continuous change of some office software such as Office, many softwares have higher and higher requirements for file formats. The old version of Xls format cannot have larger data table capacity and some chart options. In this case, we can batch convert Xls files into Xlsx format with stronger compatibility, which is convenient for us to use smoothly in the new version of Excel and avoid data loss and format limitation caused by format problems.
Data sharing requirements
when the team handles a project together, it is best to use a common format for data files to share and collaborate. Xls files are not only large in size, but also have low compatibility, which is very easy to cause problems of slow loading and errors. However, Xlsx format can optimize the file size, speed up the loading speed, and enable all collaborators to view and edit files normally.
Long-term data preservation
when Excel forms are archived and stored for a long time, if they are in the old Xls format, they may be eliminated by the gradually updated software version in the future, resulting in the inability to open normally. Batch conversion to Xlsx format in advance can ensure that the files can still be opened and used in the next few years or more, so that Excel forms have better readability and usability.
Preview of the effect of batch conversion to Xlsx files in Xls format
before treatment:

after treatment:

method 1: Use HeSoft Doc Batch Tool Batch convert Excel tables to Xlsx files
recommended Index:★★★★★
Advantages:
- support thousands, tens of thousands of table files batch conversion, conversion speed, high quality, suitable for a large number of files need to quickly complete the conversion of users.
 - All files are processed locally and will not be uploaded to third parties, focusing on the privacy of users.
 
Disadvantages:
- only software can be installed to operate in the computer.
 
Operation steps:
1. Open 【 HeSoft Doc Batch Tool ], select [Excel Tool]-[Excel to Xlsx]].

2. Select a method in [Add File] or [Import File from Folder] to import the Excel form to be converted. It is also supported to directly drag the file into the bottom. After confirming that there is no problem with the file, click Next. Then enter the save page, click browse, and select the save location of the new file.

3. After waiting for the processing to end, click the red path to open the folder, and all added Excel tables will be converted to the new version of Xlsx format.

Method 2: Save directly as Xlsx format using Excel
recommended Index:★★★☆ ☆
advantages:
- use completely free, and simple operation.
 - The quality of the conversion is relatively good and is supported by all versions of Excel.
 
Disadvantages:
- only a single file can be converted, not batch conversion.
 - It may take a long time when there are many documents.
 
Operation steps:
1. Open the Excel table file, click [File]-[Save As] in the upper left corner, and then save it directly as Xlsx format.

Method Three: Batch convert Xls to Xlsx format with VBA macro function
recommended Index:★★★☆ ☆
advantages:
- it can truly realize fully automatic batch processing, and can convert all Xls files in the entire folder at once.
 - After processing, the code can also be saved for reuse.
 
Disadvantages:
- need to learn a little bit of the most simple VBA coding, the novice has a threshold.
 - You need to adjust the macro security settings in the Excel table.
 
Operation steps:
1. Put all Xls files in one folder, and then open one of the Xls files. Then press Alt F11 to open the VBA editor and insert the module.

2. Paste the code below:
 Sub BatchConvert() 
Dim file As String 
File=Dir ("C: \ Your Folder \ *. xls") 
Do While file <> "" 
Workbooks.Open file 
ActiveWorkbook.SaveAs Replace(file, ".xls", ".xlsx"), 51 
ActiveWorkbook.Close 
file = Dir 
Loop 
End Sub
3. Modify the folder path and press F5 to run.
Method 4: Convert Excel to Xlsx format with browser online tools
recommended Index:★★★☆ ☆
advantages:
- no need to install any software, simple and intuitive.
 - Mobile phones can also be operated, even if there is no computer can be converted at any time.
 
Disadvantages:
- it needs to be used in a good network environment, otherwise the conversion will fail or take a long time.
 - Uploading files has the risk of leakage of sensitive information.
 
Operation steps:
1. Enter the browser, open the [ASPOSE] webpage, and click to select the Excel form to be converted for file upload.

2. After the conversion is completed, you can directly obtain the new file.
