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How to Fix Excel SharePoint File Displaying Wrong Language or Gibberish
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where Excel workbooks hosted on SharePoint display incorrect characters or text in the wrong language when viewed in a web browser.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening an Excel file from SharePoint using Microsoft Edge, where the text renders correctly in the desktop app but fails in the browser.
- Observed behavior
- Text and characters in the Excel file render incorrectly, appear as gibberish, or display in the wrong language online, specifically when using the Arial font.
Before attempting any fixes, open the affected workbook in the offline Excel desktop application to verify that the file itself is intact and not genuinely corrupted.
Change the Font in the Desktop Application
Since this is typically a cloud service or font-rendering bug affecting specific fonts like Arial, changing the font offline acts as an immediate workaround.
This issue often stems from a temporary Microsoft service glitch where the browser-based version of Excel fails to correctly render the Arial font, turning standard text into gibberish. Modifying the font on the desktop ensures the web version has a fresh, compatible font to display.
Navigate to the file in SharePoint, click on the 'Open in Desktop App' option to launch the workbook in your local Excel software.
Highlight the cells or columns that are displaying the incorrect language or gibberish in the web browser.
Navigate to the 'Home' tab on the ribbon, click the Font dropdown menu, and select a different standard font such as Calibri or Tahoma.
Save the workbook. The changes will automatically sync back to SharePoint. Refresh your browser to verify the text now displays correctly.
Perform Browser and System Troubleshooting
Addresses localized browser caching issues or outdated system components that might interfere with SharePoint's web rendering.
Edit Excel Workbooks Smoothly with WPS Office
If SharePoint and Microsoft Edge are causing persistent text rendering issues, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, reliable desktop alternative with seamless compatibility for Microsoft Excel formats, ensuring your data always displays exactly as intended without browser-based glitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Excel file show gibberish only in the web browser?
Browser-based versions of Excel rely on the browser's font rendering engine and cloud services. If there is a temporary service glitch or compatibility issue with a specific font like Arial, the text may display as gibberish in Microsoft Edge while remaining perfectly readable in the desktop application.
Will clearing my browser cache fix SharePoint Excel display issues?
Yes, clearing your browser's cache and cookies can sometimes resolve display issues if corrupted temporary files are interfering with Microsoft 365's web interface or font rendering scripts.
Can I fix this issue without installing the Excel desktop application?
If you cannot open the desktop application, try opening the SharePoint link in a completely different web browser (like Chrome or Firefox). If it renders correctly there, you can safely use the web interface to change the document's font to a more stable option like Calibri.
