In today’s effectively run swift digital platforms are relevant and useful. It pays to rethink using old Excel files in xls form for you might run into compatibility problems or fail to take advantage of new features inherent in xlsx files. Converting from xls to xlsx is one of the mundane yet important tasks to help improve the usability, security and functionality of the format.

This guide will answer questions similar to the ones above, teach what to do, how to do it effectively, and what tools may be useful in the process.

Why Convert XLS to XLSX?

The xls file format was with Excel 97 and that was dominant until Excel 2003. The new format, xlsx, was added to the Office Open XML in 2007 when Microsoft released it. Here’s why you should convert xls to xlsx:

1. Enhanced Features: Newer format allows to work with more extensive data, better formulas, and superior graphical capabilities of the documents. It also has superior features for data analysis.
2. Better Performance: If you wonder whether the file created with the xlsx extension is larger and takes longer to load, it will not be the case since xlsx files are compressed and are smaller than xls.
3. Improved Security: In terms of advanced capability, the format xlsx offers complex protection features like password protection and encrypting meant to minimize the possibility of unauthorized access.
4. Wider Compatibility: Today’s software and systems are constructed to support xlsx files. Convert file guarantees your files for it to work well with the newer application as well as the platforms.

Methods to Convert XLS to XLSX

Here are the best methods to convert xls to xlsx files effectively:

• Using Microsoft Excel

If you have access to Microsoft Excel, converting xls to xlsx is straightforward:

• Open the xls file in Excel.
• Click on File > Save As.
• Browse a folder where you would like to save the file.
• In the “Save as type” list choose Excel Workbook (xlsx).
• Click Save.

It is fast, and all the information is retained without any form of formatting being lost when the conversion is on.

• Online Conversion Tools

There are numerous websites where you can directly convert xls to xlsx files without any need of downloading any application. Popular options include:

• Smallpdf

• Zamzar

• CloudConvert

To use these tools:

• Upload your xls file.
• Choose ‘xlsx’ format of output.
• Once the process is complete you are required to download the converted file.

These are easy to use tools which are quite useful for those who do not spend much time converting documents; however, to avoid leakage of sensitive information it is advisable to work with a reputable platform.

• Using Google Sheets

Google Sheets offers a free and convenient way to convert xls to xlsx:

• Place the xls file in Google Drive.
• Click with the right button of the mouse and select ‘Open in Google Sheet’.
• Go to File menu as follows click on download > then Microsoft Excel (xlsx).

This method proves most useful for users who have no Excel installed but wish to work with Replacements between Files of compatible format Excel.

• Batch Conversion Tools

For many files xls at once, the use of the Turner by batch processing will be useful. There exist options for converting several files at a time, for instance Able2Extract or Batch Excel Converter for big projects.

Tips for a Smooth Conversion Process

• Backup Your Files: It is advisable to have a copy of the original xls files because the present file format may be lost.
• Check Compatibility: After the conversion, one needs to open the information converted in the xlsx file, and the information content and appearing format should still be maintained.
• Update Software: It is also useful to use the latest Office’s version of excel or other tools to prevent compatibility problems.
• Protect Sensitive Data: Do check that the online tools that are being used to implement this strategy are secure to guarantee clients ‘information security.

Advantages of Using the XLSX Format

Switching to the xlsx format brings numerous advantages:

1. Scalability: It is easy to manage larger datasets.
2. Rich Features: Let IT master use features like pivot tables, slicers, and conditional forms of Excel.
3. Cross-Platform Access: Integrate written work to support vibrant desktop, mobile and cloud computing environments.
4. Future-Proof: Make certain your files stay usable as the technology they are stored on changes.

Conclusion

Converting xls to xlsx is the right thing to do and essential to embrace current challenges in the digital world. This move will be useful regardless of whether you’re dealing with personal data only or large-scale projects at your organization because adopting the xlsx format you’ll enjoy better compatibility, performance, and security.

To do so, use the methods that are highlighted in this guide to convert xls to xlsx seamlessly. If you prefer Excel, Google Sheets, or online services, everything is as simple as it can be; still, it is worth doing. Begin converting your files today and enjoy the features of the improved format.

This article was prepared with the support of OnlineConvertFree.com, an online service for fast and easy file format conversions, ensuring high-quality results for all your digital file needs