Office for Mac Issues

How to Fix Excel for Mac Not Displaying Threaded Comments and Notes

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to view existing threaded comments or notes in a password-protected Excel workbook on Mac.

Product: Microsoft Excel for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Attempting to read threaded comments and notes inside a password-protected spreadsheet.
Observed behavior: Excel displays a generic threaded-comment message but fails to render the actual notes or comments in the document.

Before you start

Ensure you have the correct password to unprotect the workbook if necessary, and verify your Mac's internet connection before testing the file on the web version.

Solution 1Recommended

Restart Mac and Test via Excel for the Web

Performing a system restart and checking the file in the web version helps isolate whether the issue is a local application rendering glitch.

Sometimes, local cache issues or temporary rendering bugs in Excel for Mac can prevent elements like comments from displaying correctly, especially in protected files.

Restart the system

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'Restart' to reboot your Mac.

Open Excel for the Web

Launch your web browser, navigate to the Office 365 portal, and open Excel for the Web.

Upload and check the workbook

Upload your password-protected workbook. Enter the password when prompted, and check if the threaded comments and notes display correctly in the browser.

Adjust local view settings

If you return to the local Excel for Mac app, try switching between 'Normal' and 'Page Layout' views, or adjust the zoom slider to force the interface to refresh.

Workaround: If the comments appear in Excel for the Web, the data is safe, confirming the issue is isolated to the local Mac application build.

Solution 2

Cross-Test and Roll Back Office Version

If the issue persists in specific builds like 16.91, testing on another device and reverting to an earlier stable version can restore functionality.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

View Protected Spreadsheets Flawlessly with WPS Office for Mac

Tired of rendering glitches and missing comments in Excel for Mac? WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative that seamlessly handles password-protected workbooks and threaded comments without the troubleshooting headaches.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office application for Mac.
2. Open your spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets, click 'Open', and select your protected Excel file.
3. View comments instantly: Enter the document password when prompted to seamlessly view all threaded comments and notes.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls) and advanced features.Accurately renders threaded comments and notes even in password-protected files.Lightweight design that runs smoothly without consuming excessive Mac resources.Familiar tabbed interface ensuring a zero-learning-curve transition.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel for Mac show a threaded-comment message but no actual comments?

This is often caused by a software bug in specific version builds (like 16.91), rendering glitches, or conflicts that occur specifically when handling password-protected workbooks.

How can I access my comments if the local Excel app fails?

You can access your comments immediately by uploading the file to Excel for the Web, or by opening the document in a highly compatible alternative suite like WPS Office.

Will removing Office license files delete my spreadsheets?

No. The License Removal Tool only clears software activation data from your Mac. All your saved Excel files and workbooks will remain completely safe and untouched.

How do I stop Excel from automatically updating to a buggy version?

Open any Office app on your Mac, go to 'Help' > 'Check for Updates' in the top menu bar, and disable the 'Automatically keep Microsoft Apps up to date' option.

Office App Problems