How to Fix Excel for Mac Resetting Multithreaded Calculation Settings
Question details
Excel for Mac fails to save multithreaded calculation settings and freezes when saving documents.
- Product
- Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Adjusting processor calculation preferences and saving workbooks using keyboard shortcuts.
- Observed behavior
- The multithreaded calculation setting constantly reverts to using all processors, and the application hangs when pressing Command+S, despite other settings saving correctly.
Before modifying your system profiles or updating software, manually save a copy of your current workbook to prevent data loss during sudden application freezes.
Update Excel and Microsoft AutoUpdate
Ensure you are running the latest patched versions of both the application and the update tool, as Microsoft routinely deploys fixes for saving and preference bugs.
Even if you are on version 16.65, a newer patch or a forced update of the AutoUpdate tool itself might be required to resolve persistent configuration reset issues.
Open Excel for Mac. In the top Apple menu bar, click on 'Help' and select 'Check for Updates'.
If prompted, allow the Microsoft AutoUpdate utility to update itself first, then relaunch it.
Download and install any pending Excel or Office suite updates, then restart your Mac to apply the changes.
Isolate the Issue with a New macOS User Account
Creating a fresh user profile helps determine if the calculation setting reset is caused by a corrupted preferences file in your primary user account.
Disable Add-ins and Background Utilities
Third-party extensions can interfere with Excel's ability to save application-level preferences and cause hangs during save shortcuts.
Try WPS Office for a Stable Spreadsheet Experience on Mac
If Excel for Mac continues to freeze or fails to retain your calculation preferences, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative. Enjoy seamless spreadsheet editing without frustrating performance hiccups.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS version.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the installer package and open WPS Spreadsheet.
- 3. Open Your Excel File: Drag and drop your existing .xlsx workbooks into WPS to continue working immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is multithreaded calculation in Excel?
Multithreaded calculation is a feature that allows Excel to use multiple processors (or cores) simultaneously to calculate complex formulas faster. By default, it is set to use all available processors on your computer.
Why does Excel for Mac freeze when I press Command+S?
Freezing during a save operation (Command+S) can occur due to corrupted application preferences, conflicting third-party add-ins, or an unresolved software bug in that specific version of Excel for Mac.
Where are Excel for Mac preferences stored?
Excel for Mac stores most of its preference files in the hidden Library folder, typically located at ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Excel/Data/Library/Preferences/.
How do I report an unresolved bug to Microsoft?
You can report persistent software bugs by opening Excel, clicking on the 'Help' menu at the top of the screen, and selecting 'Feedback'. Choose 'I Don't Like Something' to submit a detailed technical report.
