Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Excel Tables Not Expanding for Other Users

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

A shared Excel table expands automatically for the workbook creator but fails to expand when other users add data to the rows below.

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Co-authoring or editing a shared workbook with colleagues where table auto-formatting is required for seamless data entry.
Observed behavior: New data entered immediately below the table does not automatically become part of the table for certain users, breaking formulas and formatting.

Before you start

Ensure that all users experiencing this issue are editing the document using the Excel desktop application, as local desktop settings dictate this behavior.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable the Auto-Expand Tables Setting in Excel Options

The table auto-expand feature is a local application setting. It must be manually enabled on each colleague's computer for the table to expand correctly.

Many users assume that table formatting rules are saved directly within the workbook. However, the ability to automatically include new rows and columns is controlled by the individual user's Proofing settings in Excel.

To resolve the issue, you must instruct the affected users to adjust their personal Excel options.

Access Excel Options

Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the Excel ribbon and select 'Options' at the bottom of the left-hand menu.

Open AutoCorrect Options

Navigate to the 'Proofing' tab on the left sidebar of the Options dialog box, then click the 'AutoCorrect Options...' button.

Enable AutoFormat Settings

Go to the 'AutoFormat As You Type' tab. Check the box labeled 'Include new rows and columns in table', then click 'OK' twice to apply the changes.

Test the Table

Return to the shared workbook and enter a new row of data immediately below the existing table to verify that it now expands automatically.

Local Settings Requirement: Because this is an application-level setting, it does not travel with the workbook. Every user editing the shared file needs to configure this on their own machine.

WPS Spreadsheet Solutions

Auto-Expand Tables Seamlessly in WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet makes managing dynamic data and tables effortless. You can easily enable data range extensions so tables automatically format new rows, ensuring your team experiences no interruptions during collaboration.

1. Open Options Menu: Launch WPS Spreadsheet, click on the 'Menu' button in the top-left corner, and select 'Options'.
2. Navigate to Edit Settings: In the Options dialog box, click on the 'Edit' tab located on the left panel.
3. Enable Range Extension: Check the box for 'Extend data range formats and formulas', then click 'OK' to apply the auto-expanding behavior to your tables.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv) and shared workbooks.Standardized table auto-expansion and intuitive formatting settings for easier data entry.Lightweight application that loads complex data models and dynamic tables rapidly.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Excel table expand for me but not my colleagues?

Table expansion relies on the 'AutoFormat As You Type' setting. This preference is saved locally to the user's Excel application, not within the workbook itself.

Can I force the auto-expand setting for all users in a shared workbook?

No, Excel does not allow you to force this setting via the workbook properties. Each user must manually enable 'Include new rows and columns in table' in their own Excel Options.

How do I stop Excel tables from expanding automatically?

You can disable this behavior by going to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type, and unchecking the 'Include new rows and columns in table' box.

Does Excel for the Web automatically expand tables?

Yes, Excel for the Web typically expands tables automatically by default. However, local desktop settings will override this behavior when users open the file in the desktop app.

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