Fix Excel 365 Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar Settings Reverting
Question details
Users experience an issue where customizations made to the Excel Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar fail to save permanently.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing the Excel workspace for better productivity.
- Observed behavior
- Customizations to the Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar appear to save initially but revert to default settings after restarting the application.
Ensure that your local Windows user account has administrator privileges, as missing permissions can sometimes prevent Excel from modifying the configuration files where UI settings are saved.
Verify Microsoft 365 Version and Report the Issue
Identify your specific Excel version to determine if it is a known bug, and report it to Microsoft for a targeted patch.
Toolbar resetting is often tied to specific build updates in Microsoft 365. Recording your exact build helps Microsoft isolate the bug.
Launch Microsoft Excel, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account' from the sidebar menu.
Click the 'About Excel' button to view the exact version and build number (e.g., Version 2201, Build 16.0.14827.20180).
Navigate to the 'Feedback' or 'Help' tab and use the provided tools to report the bug to Microsoft, ensuring you include your specific build number.
Manually Export and Import Ribbon Customizations
Save a local backup file of your desired toolbar customizations so you can instantly restore them if they revert.
Try WPS Office for a Stable and Customizable Workspace
If persistent Microsoft 365 bugs are disrupting your workflow, WPS Office offers a highly compatible, free alternative with a familiar interface that reliably saves your custom workspace configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Quick Access Toolbar settings keep disappearing in Excel?
This behavior is frequently caused by a known version-specific bug in Microsoft 365, or an issue with the local Excel customization files (.officeUI) becoming corrupted or overridden by recent system updates.
Where does Excel store Quick Access Toolbar customizations locally?
Excel stores these customizations locally in a configuration file named 'Excel.officeUI', typically located in the hidden folder directory at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office.
Can a Microsoft Office update fix the resetting toolbar issue?
Yes, Microsoft frequently releases patches to address UI saving bugs. You can force an update check by going to File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.
Does WPS Spreadsheet support custom ribbons and toolbars?
Yes, WPS Spreadsheet provides a customizable ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar, allowing you to tailor the workspace to your needs and securely save those preferences for future sessions.
