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How to Fix Excel Not Working and Missing Toolbar Icons
Question details
The user is experiencing general Excel malfunctions or has noticed that essential Quick Access Toolbar icons (Save, Undo, Redo) are completely missing following a Microsoft 365 update or customization change.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to use standard spreadsheet features or access the quick save and undo commands in the upper-left corner of the interface.
- Observed behavior
- Excel fails to function correctly, or the Quick Access Toolbar icons have disappeared, preventing quick access to basic file management commands.
Ensure you have saved your current work and fully closed all running Microsoft Office applications before attempting to repair the software or modify system settings.
Restore Missing Quick Access Toolbar Icons
Use the Excel Options menu to manually re-add the missing Save, Undo, and Redo icons or reset the toolbar to its default layout.
Microsoft 365 updates occasionally hide or reset the Quick Access Toolbar. You can easily customize it to bring back your familiar icons.
Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, scroll down to the bottom of the left pane, and select 'Options'.
In the Excel Options dialog box, select 'Quick Access Toolbar' from the left-hand menu.
Under 'Choose commands from', select 'Popular Commands'. Find 'Save', 'Undo', and 'Redo' in the list, and click the 'Add' button for each to move them to the right pane. Alternatively, click the 'Reset' button at the bottom right and select 'Reset only Quick Access Toolbar'.
Click 'OK' at the bottom of the window to save your settings. The icons should now reappear in the upper-left corner.
Start Excel in Safe Mode to Diagnose Malfunctions
Launch Excel in Safe Mode to bypass third-party add-ins and startup folders, which helps identify the cause of crashes or missing features.
Repair Your Microsoft 365 Installation
Run the built-in Windows repair tool for Microsoft 365 to fix corrupted application files causing general Excel failures.
Experience a Stable and Familiar Spreadsheet Interface with WPS Office
If Microsoft Excel continues to malfunction or frequent updates disrupt your familiar interface, switch to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible spreadsheet tool with a classic, customizable toolbar so your essential icons are always right where you need them.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Open: Run the installer. Once complete, launch WPS Spreadsheets to experience the clean, familiar workspace.
- 3. Open Your Excel Files: Drag and drop your existing .xlsx files directly into WPS Office to continue your work without losing any formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Quick Access Toolbar disappear after a Microsoft 365 update?
Microsoft occasionally updates its user interface designs, which can auto-hide or relocate the Quick Access Toolbar below the ribbon. You can usually restore its visibility by right-clicking the ribbon and selecting 'Show Quick Access Toolbar'.
What does opening Excel in Safe Mode actually do?
Safe Mode launches Excel with a minimal set of drivers and temporarily disables all third-party add-ins and custom toolbar settings. This helps you identify whether the program itself is failing or if an external plugin is causing the crashes.
Will I lose my spreadsheets if I run the Microsoft 365 Repair tool?
No. Repairing Microsoft 365 only scans and fixes the underlying software application files and registry keys. Your personal workbooks and .xlsx files are completely safe and will remain untouched on your hard drive.
What is the XLSTART folder in Excel?
The XLSTART folder is a directory where Excel looks for files to open automatically upon startup. If a corrupted file or template is placed in this folder, it can cause Excel to crash immediately upon opening.
