Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Excel Shared Workbook Filter Views Not Saving

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing issues where custom filter views in an Excel shared workbook stored on SharePoint are not saving or reopening correctly in the desktop application.

How to Fix Excel Shared Workbook Filter Views Not Saving

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Collaborating on a shared Excel workbook stored in SharePoint and attempting to use and save custom filter views.
Observed behavior: Custom filter views saved in the desktop application do not persist, reopen with another user's view, or incorrectly synchronize with the default view.

Before you start

Verify that your internet connection is stable so SharePoint can synchronize changes, and ask your team to temporarily stop editing the shared workbook while you troubleshoot the filter view settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Excel for the Web and Create Named Sheet Views

Bypassing the desktop app and using Excel for the web often resolves synchronization issues with custom filter views.

The Excel desktop application occasionally struggles to synchronize custom views with SharePoint correctly, reverting to the default view. Excel for the Web handles real-time Sheet Views more reliably.

Open in Excel for the Web

Navigate to your SharePoint or OneDrive document library in your web browser and click on the shared workbook to open it in Excel for the Web.

Create a New Sheet View

Go to the 'View' tab on the ribbon and click on 'New' in the Sheet View group.

Apply and Name Your View

Apply your desired filters to the data. In the View tab, type a unique name for your view in the Sheet View name box and press Enter to save it securely.

Use Excel for the Web and Create Named Sheet Views

Best Practice: Encourage every collaborator to create and name their own unique Sheet View to prevent individuals from accidentally overwriting each other's filters.

Solution 2

Force SharePoint Synchronization and Update Excel

Ensure your desktop application is fully updated and syncing properly with SharePoint to prevent default view overrides.

Solution 3

Verify Custom View Ownership

Make sure other collaborators aren't accidentally modifying or overwriting your saved custom views during collaborative sessions.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Seamless Collaboration with WPS Office

If Microsoft Excel synchronization issues persist, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible spreadsheet tool with built-in cloud collaboration, allowing your team to work together seamlessly without syncing conflicts.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free version of WPS Office.
2. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing .xlsx file directly.
3. Collaborate via WPS Cloud: Save the file to WPS Cloud and generate a sharing link to co-edit with your team in real-time.

100% compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formatsLightweight and fast, ensuring smooth performance on any deviceFree built-in WPS Cloud storage for easy file sharing and co-editingFamiliar user interface with zero learning curve for Excel users

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Excel shared workbook open with someone else's filter?

This usually happens when another user applies a filter in the default view instead of creating a personal Sheet View, or if they accidentally overwrite your saved custom view. To avoid this, each user should create and save their own uniquely named Sheet View.

Do Excel filter views work differently on the desktop app versus the web?

Yes, occasionally the desktop application struggles to synchronize custom views with SharePoint, causing it to revert to the default view upon reopening. Excel for the Web typically handles Sheet Views and real-time collaboration more reliably.

How do I create a personal filter view in a shared Excel file?

Go to the 'View' tab on the ribbon, locate the 'Sheet View' group, and click 'New'. Apply your desired filters to the data, then type a name for the view in the text box on the ribbon to save it.

Office App Problems