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Fix Invisible Code in Power Query Custom Column Dialog
Question details
The user is experiencing a display issue in Power Query where code entered into the Custom Column dialog disappears visually when the window is reopened, though it can still be highlighted.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel / Power Query
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Editing custom column formulas in the Power Query Editor.
- Observed behavior
- The text in the Custom Column dialog becomes invisible upon reopening. The code remains functional and becomes visible only when the user selects all text using the Ctrl+A keyboard shortcut.
Before attempting to fix display glitches, ensure you save any pending query changes and close other memory-intensive applications that might interfere with interface rendering.
Update Microsoft 365 and Restart Power Query
Resolve known editor display bugs by ensuring your Office suite is running the latest build and performing a fresh restart of the application.
Microsoft frequently releases patches for rendering glitches in the Power Query Editor. Updating your software is the most reliable way to restore proper text visibility.
Save your current workbook and close the Power Query Editor and Excel completely.
Reopen Excel, navigate to File > Account, and locate the Update Options dropdown button.
Click 'Update Now' to force Microsoft 365 to fetch and install the latest patches.
Once updated, restart Excel, open your query, and test the Custom Column dialog to see if the text remains visible upon reopening.
Test the Query in a New Workbook
Determine if the invisible text issue is a document-specific corruption by isolating the query in a fresh Excel file.
Consult the Microsoft Fabric Community
If the issue persists after updating, it may be an unpatched bug requiring assistance from specialized Microsoft support channels.
Tired of Spreadsheet Display Glitches?
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- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Open Your Files: Open your existing Excel workbooks directly in WPS Spreadsheet without any formatting loss.
- 3. Process Data Smoothly: Enjoy a stable, glitch-free environment for writing formulas and analyzing your data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my code disappear in the Power Query Custom Column dialog?
This is often caused by a temporary interface rendering glitch or a specific software bug in the Microsoft 365 Power Query Editor. The text is not deleted; rather, the font color or background rendering fails, making it visually blend in.
How can I read my invisible custom column code without closing the window?
You can temporarily view the invisible code by clicking inside the text box and pressing the Ctrl+A keyboard shortcut to select all text. The highlighted background will contrast with the font, making the hidden code readable.
Will updating Excel fix Power Query display bugs?
Yes, Microsoft frequently patches interface bugs and visual rendering issues in their Office updates. Navigating to File > Account > Update Options and installing the latest version is the most common fix for display anomalies in Power Query.
