Excel Performance Problems

Fix Excel for the Web Table Not Automatically Expanding

Natalie Taylor Oct 10, 2026 870 views

Question details

Excel tables do not automatically expand to include new rows when data is entered below them in a web browser.

Fix Excel for the Web Table Not Automatically Expanding

Product: Excel for the Web
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Multiple users are collaborating on a shared Excel workbook stored in SharePoint and entering new data below existing tables via Excel for the web.
Observed behavior: The table automatically expands for some users, but fails to expand for others working in the same document on the web.

Before you start

Verify that your web browser is fully updated and try clearing your cache. You can also try opening the spreadsheet in the desktop version of Excel to see if the table expands correctly there.

Solution 1Recommended

Contact Microsoft 365 Support for Environment Investigation

Because this inconsistent behavior is tied to specific user environments in Excel for the web, having an administrator contact Microsoft Support is the most effective resolution.

Since the table expands normally for some users but not others, the issue likely stems from backend configuration or browser environment discrepancies rather than a file corruption.

Log into Admin Center

Ask your organization's Microsoft 365 administrator to sign into the Microsoft 365 admin center.

Navigate to Support

Click on 'Support' in the left-hand navigation pane.

Create a New Request

Select 'New service request' and provide details about the inconsistent SharePoint Excel table expansion so support agents can compare the affected user environments.

Contact Microsoft 365 Support for Environment Investigation

Administrator Privileges Required: Standard users cannot open support tickets in the Microsoft 365 admin center. You must escalate this to your IT department or a designated Microsoft 365 admin.

Solution 2

Manually Resize the Excel Table

As a temporary workaround while waiting for support, affected users can manually adjust the table size to encompass the newly entered data.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Spreadsheet for Reliable Table Management

If you are struggling with inconsistent web features or browser glitches in Microsoft Excel, WPS Office provides a highly reliable desktop alternative. Enjoy stable offline performance, flawless table expansion, and full compatibility with your existing workbooks.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite to your computer.
2. Open Your Spreadsheet: Download your problematic file from SharePoint and open it locally in WPS Spreadsheet.
3. Manage Data Smoothly: Enter data below your tables and watch them automatically format and expand without web-based syncing issues.

Completely free and lightweight office suiteHighly compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) and SharePoint downloaded filesStable offline performance without web browser inconsistenciesFamiliar user interface ensures a seamless migration

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Excel table expand for some users but not others?

In Excel for the web, inconsistent table behavior is often caused by browser caching issues, varying update rollouts, or specific account configurations. Microsoft Support can investigate these environmental differences to find the root cause.

Does this table expansion issue happen in the desktop version of Excel?

Typically, this specific glitch is isolated to Excel for the web when co-authoring on SharePoint. Opening the file in the local Excel desktop app usually restores normal automatic table expansion.

Is there a setting to turn automatic table expansion on or off?

Yes. In desktop Excel, you can go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type, and check or uncheck 'Include new rows and columns in table'. However, this setting is often limited or behaves differently in Excel for the web.

Excel & Data Problems