Fix Excel Mac Custom Ribbon Tab and Group Names Not Saving
Question details
Users are unable to permanently rename custom Ribbon tabs, groups, macros, and icons in Excel for Mac because the application fails to save the changes.
- Product
- Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Customizing the Excel Ribbon interface by renaming tabs, groups, or macros to improve productivity and workflow.
- Observed behavior
- After renaming elements in the Ribbon, the new names are not retained upon saving or restarting the application, reverting immediately to their default names.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet network and save any open workbooks before proceeding with an application update.
Update Excel for Mac to Version 16.99 or Later
The most effective way to resolve this issue is by updating your Excel for Mac application, as Microsoft addressed this specific customization bug in version 16.99.
This bug affects older builds of Excel for Mac, preventing the software from properly writing customized Ribbon preferences to its configuration files. Upgrading to version 16.99 or newer will patch the issue and allow your changes to save properly.
Open the Microsoft Excel application on your Mac device.
Navigate to the top menu bar, click on 'Help', and select 'Check for Updates' from the dropdown list.
In the Microsoft AutoUpdate window, allow the tool to check for the latest releases. If version 16.99 or newer is available, click 'Update' to install it.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Spreadsheet Experience on Mac
If you frequently encounter interface bugs or update issues with Excel for Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, user-friendly, and free alternative with full support for your daily spreadsheet tasks.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the Mac version installer.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded package and follow the on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your Mac.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing .xlsx files to continue working seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my customized Ribbon tabs disappear in Excel for Mac?
This is a known bug in older versions of Excel for Mac (prior to version 16.99) where the application fails to write the customized names to its preference files upon saving or closing the app.
How do I customize the Ribbon in Excel for Mac?
Go to the 'Excel' menu next to the Apple logo, select 'Preferences', and click on 'Ribbon & Toolbar'. From there, you can select the '+' icon to add, remove, or rename tabs and groups.
Will updating Excel delete my existing macros or workbooks?
No, updating Excel for Mac through the official Microsoft AutoUpdate tool only replaces the application system files. Your personal macros, saved workbooks, and locally stored data will remain completely intact.
