'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Fix Excel Notes and Comments Not Moving with Cells
Question details
The user needs to fix an issue where notes and comments fail to move along with their respective cells in the Excel desktop application.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sorting or moving cells that contain attached notes and comments.
- Observed behavior
- Notes and comments remain in their original positions and detach from their cells in the desktop application, although they function correctly in Excel for the web.
Before proceeding with troubleshooting, open Excel and go to File > Account to verify your current version, and test whether this problem occurs in all workbooks or just a specific file.
Test in Safe Mode and Disable Add-ins
Running Excel in Safe Mode helps determine if a third-party add-in is interfering with how comments and notes are anchored to cells.
Conflicting COM add-ins are a common cause for interface glitches in the Excel desktop application. Safe mode launches Excel without these extensions, allowing you to isolate the problem.
Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and double-click the Excel application icon. Confirm the prompt asking if you want to start in Safe Mode.
Open the affected workbook and try moving a cell. If the comment moves correctly, an add-in is likely causing the issue.
Go to File > Options > Add-ins. At the bottom of the window, select 'COM Add-ins' from the Manage drop-down menu and click 'Go'.
Uncheck all add-ins in the list and click OK. Restart Excel normally and verify if the comments now move with the cells.
Perform an Online Repair for Microsoft 365
If Safe Mode does not resolve the issue, repairing the Office installation can fix corrupted application files causing the desktop glitch.
Uninstall and Reinstall Microsoft 365
As a final troubleshooting step, a clean installation ensures that all corrupted configurations preventing comments from moving are completely removed.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Management
If Microsoft Excel continues to experience desktop application glitches with comments and notes, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative where cell comments and notes move flawlessly during sorting and formatting.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the WPS website to download the free installation package.
- 2. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing .xlsx file. All previous comments and notes will be preserved.
- 3. Edit Seamlessly: Sort, filter, and move your cells. Your comments will automatically stay attached to their respective data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a specific setting in Excel to ensure notes and comments move with cells?
Yes. You can right-click the edge of a comment box, select 'Format Comment', navigate to the 'Properties' tab, and select 'Move and size with cells'. If this is already checked and comments still do not move, you are likely experiencing an application glitch.
Why do my comments move perfectly in Excel for the Web but not the desktop app?
Excel for the Web runs on the latest server-side updates and bypasses local application corruption or conflicting local COM add-ins, which are the typical causes of this issue on the desktop version.
Will performing an Online Repair delete my Excel spreadsheets?
No. An Online Repair only checks and replaces the core Microsoft 365 application files. Your personal documents, workbooks, and data will remain completely untouched.
How can I check my exact Excel version to report a bug?
Open Excel, click on 'File' in the top left corner, and select 'Account' at the bottom of the left-hand menu. Your version, build number, and update channel will be displayed under the 'About Excel' section.
