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How to Restore Converted Threaded Comments in Excel
Question details
The user needs to recover modern threaded comments in Excel that were downgraded to legacy notes after opening the file in an older version or an unsupported platform.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening a modern Excel workbook in older desktop versions or unsupported mobile platforms, causing a feature downgrade.
- Observed behavior
- Threaded comments are automatically converted into old legacy comments (notes), and the original threaded format needs to be restored.
Ensure you have access to your OneDrive or SharePoint account, as recovering the comments requires utilizing Microsoft's cloud version history.
Restore an Earlier Version via OneDrive or SharePoint
Use the built-in version history feature in Microsoft's cloud storage to recover the file state before the comments were converted.
When an Excel file is saved in OneDrive or SharePoint, Microsoft automatically keeps track of previous versions. Restoring the version saved immediately before opening it on the unsupported platform will bring back your threaded comments.
Log in to your OneDrive or SharePoint account where the affected Excel file is stored.
Right-click the Excel file in your document library and select 'Version history' from the context menu.
Browse the list of saved file versions and pinpoint the one saved right before the file was opened on the older or unsupported platform.
Click 'Restore' on the chosen version to revert the document and successfully recover your threaded comments.
Contact Microsoft 365 Support
If version history is unavailable or fails to restore the comments, reach out to Microsoft support for further investigation.
Avoid Compatibility Issues with WPS Office
Tired of features breaking across different versions of Microsoft Excel? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative with a familiar UI that seamlessly handles modern spreadsheet features and ensures smooth migration.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download and install the free software on your device.
- 2. Open your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing .xlsx files without worrying about formatting or comment loss.
- 3. Collaborate Seamlessly: Use the 'Review' tab to add, edit, or view comments just as you would in Microsoft Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my threaded comments turn into legacy notes in Excel?
This happens when a workbook containing modern threaded comments is opened in an older version of Excel (like Excel 2016 or earlier) or an unsupported mobile app. The software does not recognize the new feature, forcing the comments to downgrade into legacy notes.
Can I convert legacy notes back to threaded comments automatically?
Currently, Excel does not offer a direct one-click button to upgrade all converted legacy notes back into threaded comments. The most reliable method is to restore an older version of the file using OneDrive or SharePoint Version History.
How do I prevent my comments from downgrading in the future?
Ensure that all collaborators are using the latest version of Microsoft 365, Excel for the Web, or a fully supported spreadsheet application to avoid compatibility fallbacks.
