Merge multiple instances of excel into a single instance

[PariD]

Hi,

Is there a way to merge all open instances of the Excel application into the single instance from which macro is being run, without closing any of the files open across multiple instances?

Reason for this requirement is that a 3rd party application opens these files in separate excel instances and runs a macro from one of the opened files while another file has an add-in which connects to a portal. Neither of these files can be closed while trying to merge these into a single instance.

I am currently using Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2312 Build 16.0.17126.20132) 64-bit and whatever code I use needs to be compatible with Excel 2016 32 bit version as well.

[6StringJazzer]

Is there a way to merge all open instances of the Excel application into the single instance from which macro is being run, without closing any of the files open across multiple instances?

No.

Excel instances are Windows processes and processes cannot be "merged." There is no such concept. Once there are multiple files open in their own instances of Excel, the only possibility is to close the files and then re-open them from the instance running the macro.

The other possibility is to see if it's possible to manage how the third-party application is opening Excel and why it creates a new instance for each file. There may be a way to change that, but without a lot more information I can't say.

[Artik]

PariD, I think you want to go the wrong way.
It seems to me that you should build a collection of Excel instances and assign to variables those elements of the collection that you need. Later you will operate on these variables to refer to the actual file. Some hint may come from this thread, but pay attention to the objections of other people commenting in this thread.

Artik

[6StringJazzer]

I answered the question exactly as asked without thinking about the big picture.

If your macro needs to operate on files that are open in a different instance of Excel, it is possible to do that as described in Artik's link.

(Generally when asking a question it is best to describe your situation and goal, rather than suggest how you think something should be done.)

[PariD]

Thanks Artik, and yes you are right... if merging all instances is not possible, I am also exploring in parallel how can these files that are in separate instances be easily reference and operated upon. Thanks for the link that might probably help me in that direction. Will explore and revert if I am able to get a solution. Thanks again!

[PariD]

I answered the question exactly as asked without thinking about the big picture.

If your macro needs to operate on files that are open in a different instance of Excel, it is possible to do that as described in Artik's link.

(Generally when asking a question it is best to describe your situation and goal, rather than suggest how you think something should be done.)

Thanks for the guidance...I do not have much control on the 3rd party app that opens these files in separate instances and was exploring the possibility of merging multiple excel instances into one which would have made life much easier but if that's not possible, an easy way of referencing all files will do as well and I will explore the kink provided by Artik!

[PariD]

PariD, I think you want to go the wrong way.
It seems to me that you should build a collection of Excel instances and assign to variables those elements of the collection that you need. Later you will operate on these variables to refer to the actual file. Some hint may come from this thread, but pay attention to the objections of other people commenting in this thread.

Artik

Atrik, Thanks for nudging me in the right direction. The link you provided was extremely helpful in understanding how to reference workbooks in different excel instances, just as per my requirement. I also wanted to share another link that I came across in Excelforum which has comprehensive codes for all relevant use cases which might be of help to others, but the forum rules restricted me from sharing links, hence sharing a lead here - Search keyword: macro-to-close-every-workbook-in-all-excel-instances (refer to response by LJMetzger - his response also has a downloadable file embedded with the codes which I am sure would be useful to anyone who wants to dig deeper). Thanks again for your help...Cheers!