SharePoint Document Issues

How to Stop Shared Excel Workbooks from Showing Other Users' Filters

Emma Brown Oct 15, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users editing a shared Excel workbook in SharePoint can see other users' sorting, filtering, and hidden rows/columns.

How to Stop Shared Excel Workbooks from Showing Other Users' Filters

Product: Microsoft Excel, SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Collaborating on shared Excel workbooks stored in SharePoint where multiple users edit simultaneously.
Observed behavior: Changes made to filters, sorts, or hidden columns/rows by one user are visible to other users in real-time or upon reopening the file.

Before you start

Verify your permission level in the SharePoint document library and ensure you are using a Microsoft 365 version of Excel that supports advanced collaboration features.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Sheet Views to Filter Without Affecting Others

Sheet Views allow you to create customized views in an Excel worksheet without being disrupted by others' sorts and filters.

When collaborating in Microsoft 365, standard filters apply to the default view, which changes the display for everyone. Using the Sheet Views feature isolates your sorting and filtering to your screen only.

Navigate to the View Tab

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

Create a New Sheet View

In the 'Sheet View' group, click on 'New'. The column headers will turn black, indicating that you are now in a temporary personal view.

Apply Your Filters

Sort, filter, or hide rows and columns as needed. These changes will now only be visible to you.

Save the View (Optional)

If you want to reuse these specific filters later, click the 'Keep' button in the Sheet View group and type a name for your custom view.

Use Sheet Views to Filter Without Affecting Others

Collaboration Tip: You can switch between the Default view and your saved custom views anytime using the drop-down menu in the Sheet View group.

Solution 2

Contact Your Microsoft 365 Administrator

If standard collaboration features fail and workbook behavior remains erratic, an admin may need to investigate service logs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my filters affect everyone in a shared Excel file?

Standard filtering in a shared workbook alters the default view for all users currently accessing the file. To avoid interrupting others, you must use personal Sheet Views.

What is an Excel Sheet View?

A Sheet View is a collaborative feature in modern versions of Microsoft Excel that allows individuals to sort and filter data independently without affecting the display for other users co-authoring the document.

Can I hide rows in Excel without hiding them for others?

Yes, but you must apply the hidden rows while working within a personal Sheet View. If you hide rows in the default view of a shared workbook, those rows will disappear for everyone.

How do I turn off a Sheet View in Excel?

Navigate to the View tab, locate the Sheet View group, and select 'Default' from the drop-down menu to exit your personal view and return to the standard shared view.

Document & File Issues