Illustrator not saving PNG files as a PNG (transparent background)

Hi there, I wasnt able to find a solution so far so thought I would ask. I am exporting a file using the PNG export format however when I open it, even though it says .PNG it opens with a white background. 

When I look at the transparent grid in illustrator, there isnt a background. Even in the preview export there isnt a background. 

I have tried re-installing illustrator as it could be a glitch, I tried resetting my preferences, Saving in different spots, using different export functions etc... But it continues to save with a white background?

Any solution will be appreciated - as Im sure you guys can understand, I purely save in PNG format for a reason, and its not great that I have to then take it to photoshop and remove the background to use my graphics.