Fix White Bars and Hidden Sheet Tabs in Excel After Update
Question details
Users experience white bars, blank rows, and hidden sheet tabs across multiple workbooks after installing a recent Excel update.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Opening and viewing spreadsheets after applying Microsoft 365 Current Channel version 2206.
- Observed behavior
- Worksheets display disruptive white bars or blank cells, and sheet tabs at the bottom become blocked or completely hidden. Standard Office repair does not fix the glitch.
Verify your current Microsoft Office version and build number by navigating to File > Account before attempting to update or roll back your software.
Install the Latest Microsoft Office Update
Microsoft has resolved Service Incident OP396850 by reverting the affected update. Forcing a manual update is the best way to apply the official patch.
The rendering issue affecting Excel for Windows Current Channel version 2206 (build 15330.20196) has been officially patched. Updating your application will download the corrected build and restore normal visibility to your worksheets.
Launch Microsoft Excel and click on 'File' in the top-left corner, then select 'Account' from the bottom-left menu.
Under Product Information, click on 'Update Options' and select 'Update Now' from the drop-down menu.
Wait for the update to download and install completely. Close and reopen Excel to verify the white bars and hidden tabs are resolved.
Apply Temporary Workarounds
If you cannot update immediately, use these official workarounds to make your spreadsheets visible again.
Revert to a Previous Office Version
If updating fails, you can roll back your Office installation to the stable Version 2205.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Frustrating Update Bugs
If faulty updates and missing sheet tabs are disrupting your productivity, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a highly stable, lightweight, and completely free alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring your spreadsheets open perfectly every time.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your device.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Open Your Excel Files: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and directly open your existing Excel workbooks without any formatting loss or display issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Excel sheet tabs suddenly disappear?
This specific rendering issue was caused by a faulty Microsoft 365 update (version 2206, build 15330.20196) which introduced bugs resulting in white bars, blank cells, and hidden bottom tabs.
Will a standard Office repair fix the white bars in Excel?
No, running the standard Microsoft Office repair tool generally does not resolve this issue because it stems from an inherent bug within that specific software build. You must update or roll back the version.
What version of Excel should I revert to if the update isn't working?
If you cannot download the latest patch (Service Incident OP396850), reverting to Office Version 2205 (Build 15225.20288) is recommended to restore normal sheet tab visibility.
