File Sharing Problems

How to Hide Other Users' Selections in Shared Excel Files

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to hide the presence indicators, such as names or profile pictures, of other users in a shared Excel workbook.

How to Hide Other Users' Selections in Shared Excel Files

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Collaborating with multiple users on a shared Excel file in real-time.
Observed behavior: Excel automatically displays another user's name or profile picture beside their selected cell, which cannot be disabled natively.

Before you start

Before proceeding, note that presence indicators are a built-in feature of Excel's live collaboration. While you cannot disable them entirely without stopping real-time co-authoring, you can use sheet views to minimize distractions.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Sheet Views to Minimize Distractions

Create a temporary view to filter and work on data without being interrupted by other users' live changes or selections.

Excel does not offer a direct toggle to hide presence indicators. However, using the Sheet View feature allows you to create a customized workspace where your sorts and filters won't affect others, providing a more focused environment.

Navigate to the View Tab

Open your shared Excel workbook and click on the 'View' tab located in the top ribbon.

Create a New Sheet View

Click on 'New' within the 'Sheet View' group to create a temporary workspace.

Work Without Interruption

Apply your preferred filters and edits. This view isolates your screen layout from others, reducing the visual impact of their selections.

Use Sheet Views to Minimize Distractions

Solution 2

Submit a Feature Request to Microsoft

Provide feedback directly to Microsoft to request a dedicated toggle feature for hiding presence indicators.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Management

If Microsoft Excel's collaboration interface is causing distractions, consider trying WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with robust spreadsheet tools and a user-friendly design.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free office suite for your operating system.
2. Install and Launch: Run the installer and open WPS Spreadsheet once the installation is complete.
3. Open Existing Excel Files: Drag and drop your .xlsx files into WPS to start editing with perfect formatting retention.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xls, .xlsx, .csv).Lightweight software that runs smoothly on older and modern devices alike.Familiar user interface for a zero-learning-curve transition.Free built-in cloud sharing and document collaboration tools.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn off live collaboration entirely in Excel?

Yes, you can stop live collaboration by saving a copy of the file locally to your hard drive or by turning off AutoSave in the top-left corner, though this will prevent real-time syncing of changes.

Why does Excel show other users' profile pictures on cells?

This is a built-in presence indicator designed to show where co-authors are working. It helps prevent multiple users from editing the exact same cell simultaneously and causing data conflicts.

Can I hide my own name from other users in a shared Excel file?

No, as long as you are actively co-authoring a shared document online, your presence and active cell selections will be visible to all other co-authors.

Document & File Issues