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How to Fix Excel Quick Access Toolbar Settings Keep Resetting
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where the Excel Quick Access Toolbar fails to save customizations, reverting default buttons to positions 1 through 4 every time a new workbook is launched.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar layout and opening a new workbook in Excel.
- Observed behavior
- Modifications made via the customization dialog do not persist. Autosave, Save, Undo, and Redo automatically return to the first four positions upon opening a new workbook. Right-click removal only applies temporarily to the active workbook.
Ensure you have saved all active workbooks and verify that your system is connected to the internet so you can check for the latest Microsoft Office patches.
Install the Latest Microsoft Office Updates
Since this behavior has been identified as a known Excel customization bug, installing the newest patches from Microsoft is the best way to permanently resolve it.
Microsoft frequently releases updates to address known UI bugs and performance issues. Updating to the latest build typically restores normal toolbar functionality.
Open Microsoft Excel, click on 'File' in the top left corner, and select 'Account' from the bottom left menu.
Under the 'Product Information' section, click on the 'Update Options' button.
Select 'Update Now' from the drop-down list. Wait for Office to download and apply any available fixes.
Once the update is complete, restart Excel, customize your Quick Access Toolbar, and open a new workbook to verify the settings persist.
Run Excel in Safe Mode and Disable Add-ins
Third-party add-ins can sometimes conflict with Excel's configuration files, causing UI customizations to revert to their default states.
Use the Right-Click Workaround for Current Sessions
If updates are not yet available or you cannot modify add-ins, you can temporarily remove unwanted default buttons using a quick right-click method.
Use WPS Office for a Stable & Customizable Spreadsheet Experience
If Excel's UI bugs and resetting toolbars are slowing down your workflow, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and bug-free alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring your personalized workspace stays exactly how you configured it.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website, download the free installer, and complete the quick installation process.
- 2. Open WPS Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open any existing .xlsx document to start your seamless migration.
- 3. Customize Your Toolbar Safely: Click the drop-down arrow next to the Quick Access Toolbar to add or remove shortcuts. Your settings will be permanently saved without frustrating bugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Excel Quick Access Toolbar keep resetting?
This is a known bug in certain versions of Microsoft Excel where customization settings fail to overwrite the default layout upon opening a new workbook. It can also occasionally be caused by corrupted UI files or incompatible third-party add-ins.
How can I back up my Quick Access Toolbar settings?
You can back up your layout by navigating to File > Options > Quick Access Toolbar. Click on the 'Import/Export' button at the bottom right corner and select 'Export all customizations' to save your settings as a backup file on your computer.
Where are the Excel toolbar customization files stored?
Excel stores the Quick Access Toolbar customization settings in a file named 'Excel.officeUI'. On Windows, this file is typically located in the '%localappdata%\Microsoft\Office\' directory. Deleting or renaming this file can sometimes force Excel to generate a fresh, uncorrupted settings file.
