Fix Excel Headers Turning White and Columns Disappearing After Update
Question details
Users need to restore normal visibility to their Excel worksheets after a software update causes headers and columns to visually disappear.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel for Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening and viewing spreadsheets after applying a recent Microsoft 365 software update.
- Observed behavior
- Row and column headers display as solid white, and worksheet columns become invisible. Standard troubleshooting such as repairing, reinstalling, or booting in Safe Mode fails to resolve the issue.
Save all open workbooks and ensure your PC is connected to the internet, as you will need to download Microsoft's official service incident patch.
Force an Office Update to Apply the Official Fix
Microsoft has resolved this specific visual bug (Service Incident OP396850) by releasing a patch. Manually forcing an update will apply the fix and restore normal display.
Because this is a known issue tied to a specific Microsoft 365 update build, traditional methods like reinstalling or repairing Office will not work. The fastest way to resolve it is to force Excel to fetch the latest patched version from Microsoft's servers.
Launch Microsoft Excel and open a blank workbook. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, then select 'Account' from the bottom-left menu sidebar.
Under the 'Product Information' section, locate and click on the 'Update Options' dropdown menu.
Select 'Update Now'. Excel will connect to Microsoft servers to download and install the latest patch that reverts the problematic build.
Once the update process is complete, close and reopen Excel to verify that the column headers and worksheet grids are visible again.
Roll Back Office to a Previous Version
If the latest update does not automatically fix the issue or cannot be downloaded, you can manually roll back your Microsoft 365 installation to a stable previous version.
Experience Stable Spreadsheets with WPS Office
If Microsoft 365 updates frequently disrupt your workflow with visual bugs like disappearing columns, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly stable, lightweight, and completely free alternative that flawlessly handles your Excel files without compatibility issues.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Spreadsheet, Writer, and Presentation.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Right-click your existing .xlsx files, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Spreadsheet to continue working seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Excel headers suddenly turn white?
This was caused by a known bug in a specific Microsoft 365 software update, documented by Microsoft as Service Incident OP396850. The update disrupted the display rendering of headers and columns.
Does repairing Office fix the missing columns issue?
No, standard troubleshooting steps like running the Office Repair tool, reinstalling the software, or booting in Safe Mode will not fix this issue because it is tied to the specific version build. You must update or roll back.
What if I don't see the 'Update Now' button in Excel?
If the 'Update Options' menu is missing, your Office installation is likely managed by your organization's IT department or relies on a Volume License. You will need to contact your IT administrator to push the update.
Will rolling back my Office version delete my spreadsheets?
No. Rolling back to a previous Office version only affects the software application files. Your saved spreadsheets, personal data, and settings will remain completely intact and secure.
