VBA & Macro Problems

Move Excel Notes to Cells Using Power Automate (No VBA Needed)

John Wilson Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to copy text from Excel notes or comments into adjacent cells using Power Automate but has found mainly VBA-based solutions, which they cannot use.

How to Move Excel Notes or Comments to Cells Using Power Automate

Product: Microsoft Excel, Power Automate
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Automating the extraction of cell notes and threaded comments into adjacent cells in a cloud environment where desktop VBA macros are unsupported.
Observed behavior: Most existing solutions rely on VBA, which is not supported in the user's web-based or educational Excel environment.

Before you start

Verify that your Microsoft 365 educational or work plan includes access to Power Automate and Office Scripts. Ensure your Excel workbook is stored in a cloud location like OneDrive for Business or SharePoint.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Office Scripts with Power Automate

Create a TypeScript-based Office Script to extract cell notes and trigger it using a Power Automate cloud flow.

Because VBA macros do not run in Excel for the web, Office Scripts provide a cloud-native alternative. You can write an Office Script to iterate through cells, read comments, and place the text into adjacent cells, then run this script automatically using Power Automate.

Create an Office Script

Open your workbook in Excel for the Web. Navigate to the 'Automate' tab, select 'New Script', and write a TypeScript function to extract comments and paste them into adjacent columns. Save the script.

Set up Power Automate

Log into Power Automate and create a new automated or scheduled cloud flow based on your desired trigger.

Add the Excel Online Connector

Add a new action and search for 'Excel Online (Business)'. Select the 'Run script' action from the list.

Configure and Test

Select your SharePoint or OneDrive location, choose your workbook, and select the Office Script you created. Save and test the flow.

Availability: Office Scripts are available in supported enterprise and educational Microsoft 365 plans. If you do not see the Automate tab, your IT administrator may have disabled it.

Solution 2

Use VBA in the Excel Desktop App

If you have access to a desktop license, you can run VBA macros on cloud-stored files and sync the changes.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Need a Desktop Office Suite? Try WPS Office

If your educational or work plan only includes restrictive web versions of Office and you are struggling with VBA limitations, consider downloading WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, full-featured desktop spreadsheet experience.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official website and download the free WPS Office installer.
2. Install the Software: Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets to easily open and manage all your Excel files.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) and CSV formatsOffers a robust desktop environment, overcoming web-only app limitationsLightweight, familiar user interface that requires zero learning curveFree alternative to restrictive Microsoft 365 web-only subscriptions

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I use VBA in Excel for the web or mobile?

VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) requires the underlying architecture of Windows or Mac operating systems. It is not supported in cloud or mobile environments, meaning macros cannot run directly in web browsers.

Can Power Automate read Excel comments directly without scripts?

No, the standard Excel Online connector in Power Automate reads cell values and table data, but it does not have built-in actions to extract metadata like cell notes or threaded comments. You must use Office Scripts as a bridge.

Do all educational Microsoft 365 accounts include Excel desktop apps?

No. Certain basic educational licenses, such as Office 365 A1, only provide access to web versions of Office apps. To use desktop apps and run traditional VBA macros, a higher-tier license like A3 or A5 is required.

Excel & Data Problems