Office Settings & Configuration

Fix Shift and Control Keys Not Selecting Multiple Excel Sheets

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to select multiple hidden worksheets using the Shift or Control keys within the Excel Unhide dialog box.

How to Fix Shift and Control Keys Not Selecting Multiple Excel Sheets

Product: Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365)
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to unhide multiple worksheets simultaneously after reinstalling Microsoft 365 following an SSD storage upgrade.
Observed behavior: Holding the Shift or Control key does not allow the selection of multiple sheets in the Unhide dialog, forcing the user to select them one by one.

Before you start

Verify that your keyboard hardware is functioning correctly by testing the Shift and Control keys in other applications or different areas within the spreadsheet to rule out hardware failure.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Microsoft 365 and Restart Your System

Applying the latest Office updates often resolves unexpected interface bugs, including keyboard shortcut failures in specific dialog boxes.

Since the issue began after a recent SSD upgrade and software reinstall, you might be running a base version of Microsoft 365 that lacks recent bug fixes. Updating ensures you have the latest patch where this unhide dialog bug is resolved.

Restart Excel and PC

Save your work, close all Excel windows, and restart your computer to clear any temporary software glitches.

Access Account Settings

Open Microsoft Excel, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account' from the bottom left menu.

Update Microsoft 365

Click on 'Update Options' next to Office Updates, and select 'Update Now'. Wait for the updates to download and install, then re-test the Unhide dialog.

Feature Availability: The ability to unhide multiple sheets at once using Ctrl/Shift was introduced in later builds of Microsoft 365. Older versions like Office 2019 do not natively support this feature.

Solution 2

Run an Office Online Repair

If the issue started after a fresh reinstall onto a new SSD, the installation might be corrupted. Running a repair can restore missing functionality.

Solution 3

Check for Conflicting Excel Add-ins

Third-party add-ins or customized settings can sometimes override default keyboard shortcuts and interfere with dialog behaviors.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Management

If Microsoft 365 continues to experience interface glitches and shortcut failures after your SSD upgrade, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for managing complex spreadsheets without the subscription hassle.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite.
2. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing Excel workbook.
3. Unhide Multiple Sheets: Right-click on any visible sheet tab, select 'Unhide', and smoothly use Shift or Ctrl to select multiple sheets at once.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) file formatsLightweight and fast installation, optimized for upgraded SSDsFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate tabbed interfaceEffortlessly hide and unhide multiple worksheets without glitches

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I unhide multiple sheets in older versions of Excel?

The ability to unhide multiple worksheets simultaneously using the Shift or Ctrl keys was only introduced in recent versions of Microsoft 365. If you are using perpetual licenses like Office 2016 or 2019, you must unhide sheets one by one or use a custom VBA macro.

How do I select multiple visible sheets in a workbook?

To select adjacent visible sheets, click the first sheet tab, hold the Shift key, and click the last sheet tab. For non-adjacent sheets, hold the Ctrl key while clicking each specific tab you want to select.

What should I do if my keyboard shortcuts stop working completely?

First, check if the issue is hardware-related by testing a different keyboard. If the hardware is fine, start your spreadsheet program in Safe Mode to rule out add-in conflicts, or check if another background application on your computer is overriding your shortcut commands.

Office App Problems