Convert XLR (and WKS) to Excel
Open Microsoft Works spreadsheets in Excel again — .xlr and .wks files converted to clean .xlsx, in bulk, entirely on your PC.
TL;DR
Install the free Works Converter trial, add your .xlr or .wks files, choose XLSX, and convert. Formulas, numbers, and cell layout come across as real Excel spreadsheets — nothing is uploaded.
How to convert XLR to Excel (XLSX) — step by step
Install Works Converter (free trial)
Download the offline installer for Windows 10/11. The trial converts up to 10 files free with all features.
Add XLR or WKS files (or a whole folder)
Drag in .xlr and .wks files, or point the app at a folder tree. It scans subfolders recursively and detects Works spreadsheets even with wrong extensions.
Choose XLSX as the output format
Select Excel (.xlsx). Need CSV for a database import or data pipeline instead? Choose CSV in the same run.
Convert and open in Excel
Click Convert, then open the results in Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice Calc, or Google Sheets. Everything was processed on your PC — no uploads.
Why convert Works spreadsheets to Excel?
Modern Excel cannot open Microsoft Works .xlr or .wks spreadsheets — the import filters were dropped years ago, so a double-click just fails. Converting to XLSX is the only reliable way to get decades of ledgers, budgets, and models back into a spreadsheet you can actually use.
A proper conversion keeps the data as data: numbers stay numeric, columns stay aligned, and supported formulas carry over — so you can sort, chart, and recalculate instead of retyping rows by hand.
Safer than free online converters
Online converters require uploading confidential Microsoft Works files to third-party servers. Works File Converter runs entirely on your Windows PC — nothing is uploaded.
That matters for payroll, ledgers, rate cases, and any archive covered by GDPR, confidentiality, or audit requirements.
FAQ
Is there a free way to convert Microsoft Works files?
Yes. The free trial of Works File Converter converts up to 10 files with full features — no signup and no watermarks. Unlimited conversions are a one-time $39.95 license (no subscription).
Is this an online converter? Do my files get uploaded?
No. Works File Converter is a Windows desktop app. Every conversion runs locally on your PC. Nothing is uploaded.
Can I convert an entire folder at once?
Yes. Point the app at a folder (it scans subfolders) and batch-convert .wps, .wks, .xlr, .wdb, and .wpt files in parallel.
What is the difference between .xlr and .wks files?
.wks is the older Microsoft Works spreadsheet format; .xlr is the format used by later Works versions. Works Converter reads both and converts them to modern .xlsx (or CSV).
Can Excel open .xlr files directly?
No — current versions of Excel cannot open .xlr or .wks files. Converting to .xlsx first is the reliable path, and it preserves your numbers and layout as real spreadsheet data.
Related conversions
Get your Works spreadsheets back into Excel
Free trial converts 10 files to XLSX — batch, offline, and no watermarks.
Free trial
Full app features - up to 10 files
Windows 10 or 11
Download the offline installer below for the full 10-file trial. Conversion stays on your PC.