Change Excel's Default Delete Cells Option
Question details
The user wants to change Excel's default cell deletion behavior from shifting cells left to shifting cells up.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user frequently deletes cells and wants Excel to select Shift cells up automatically.
- Observed behavior
- Excel defaults to Shift cells left in the Delete Cells dialog, and it does not provide a setting to change this default.
Open the workbook and select the cells you want to remove. Confirm whether deleting them should move the remaining cells up or left before choosing a deletion option.
Select Shift cells up manually when deleting cells
Use this workaround whenever the deleted cells should cause the cells below to move upward.
In Excel, highlight the cells you want to remove.
Right-click the selected cells and choose Delete, or open the Home tab, select Delete, and choose Delete Cells.
In the Delete dialog, select Shift cells up, then click OK.
Submit a request through Excel Feedback
Use Excel's feedback tools if you want Microsoft to consider adding a configurable Delete Cells default.
Try WPS Spreadsheets for Flexible Cell Deletion
WPS Office is a free, lightweight Microsoft Office alternative with a familiar spreadsheet interface and strong Excel file compatibility. Open or migrate your .xlsx workbooks in WPS Spreadsheets, then use the cell deletion options to shift cells up or left as needed.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office, then open WPS Spreadsheets.
- 2. Open your Excel workbook: Select Open from the WPS home screen and choose the .xlsx or .xls file you want to edit.
- 3. Select cells to delete: Highlight the cells, right-click the selection, and choose Delete Cells.
- 4. Choose the shift direction: Select the option to shift cells up or left, then confirm the deletion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Excel permanently change the default Delete Cells option to Shift cells up?
No. Excel does not include a setting for changing the default Delete Cells selection. Choose Shift cells up manually each time you delete cells.
How do I shift cells up after deleting them in Excel?
Select the cells, right-click and choose Delete, select Shift cells up in the Delete dialog, and click OK.
Where can I request this Excel feature?
Open Excel's Help tab and choose Feedback, or use File > Feedback in versions that place the feedback command there. Describe the request and submit it to Microsoft.
Does deleting an entire row automatically shift cells up?
Deleting an entire worksheet row removes that row and moves the rows below upward. For individual cells, you must select Shift cells up in the Delete dialog.
