Fix SharePoint Excel Files Displaying Garbled Characters in Browser
Question details
Users encounter garbled or unreadable characters instead of expected fonts when opening Excel files hosted on SharePoint using Chrome or Edge web browsers.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel, SharePoint
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Opening and viewing SharePoint Excel files in a web browser.
- Observed behavior
- Files display correctly in the Excel desktop application, but text appears as unreadable characters in web browsers. Rebooting the computer provides only temporary relief.
Verify that the Excel file displays correctly in your desktop application and ensure your Chrome or Edge browser is updated to the latest version.
Clear Windows Credentials and Browser Cache
Removing cached Microsoft credentials and clearing browser data resolves underlying authentication and caching conflicts causing display issues.
Corrupted credentials or an outdated browser cache can interfere with how SharePoint authenticates and renders Excel files online.
Click the Windows Start button, type 'Credential Manager' in the search bar, and press Enter to open it.
Select 'Windows Credentials' and look for any entries related to Microsoft Office or SharePoint. Click on the relevant credentials and select 'Remove'.
Open Chrome or Edge, navigate to Settings > Privacy and Security, and clear your browsing data and cached images and files.
Restart your web browser, navigate back to your SharePoint portal, and attempt to open the Excel file again.
Create a New Browser Profile
Testing the file in a fresh browser profile helps rule out profile-specific corruption or problematic browser extensions.
Change Default Font and Re-grant SharePoint Permissions
Changing the file's font serves as a temporary workaround, while resetting permissions can fix underlying access sync issues.
Use WPS Office to Avoid Browser Rendering Issues
If web-based Excel viewers continue to display garbled characters, switching to a reliable desktop application like WPS Office ensures your data is rendered perfectly. WPS Office is a lightweight, free alternative that guarantees seamless formatting without relying on browser cache.
- 1. Download and Install WPS: Visit the official WPS website to download and install WPS Office on your computer.
- 2. Download the SharePoint File: Download a local copy of the affected Excel file from SharePoint directly to your computer.
- 3. Open with WPS Spreadsheet: Right-click the downloaded file, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office to view and edit your data clearly without garbled text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Excel files look garbled only in the web browser?
Browser cache issues, corrupted user profiles, or font rendering conflicts can cause SharePoint web viewers to display text incorrectly, even when the file is perfectly fine in a desktop application.
Can changing the font fix the unreadable text in Excel Online?
Yes, changing the default font in the Excel file via the desktop app (such as to Arial or Calibri) can serve as a temporary workaround for browser rendering issues.
Does restarting the computer permanently fix the SharePoint Excel display issue?
No, users report that restarting the PC only provides temporary relief. Clearing Windows credentials and resetting the browser profile are recommended for a longer-term fix.
What should I do if none of the browser fixes work?
Because this can be an ongoing issue affecting multiple users in a tenant, you should document the browser version, file details, and frequency, and have your IT administrator escalate the issue directly to Microsoft Support.
