Before NX12, we can set the default spreadsheet application in customer defaults.
But why I cannot find this setting after NX 1847
Solution
From the NX 1847 release note, NX compatibility with spreadsheet,
Please use the certified excel version.
And NX1847 and later version don't support XESS anymore.
Hardware/Software Configuration
Platform: all
OS: n/a
OS Version: n/a
Product: NX
Application: GATEWAY
Function: CUSTOMER_DEFS
Ref: 002-8559928