Office Settings & Configuration

How to Freeze Rows, Columns, or Split Screens in Excel 2021

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to learn how to lock rows and columns or divide the worksheet window, as the traditional scroll bar sliders are missing in Excel 2021.

How to Freeze Rows, Columns, or Split Screens in Excel 2021

Product: Microsoft Excel 2021
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Navigating and viewing large datasets where keeping headers visible or comparing different sections of a worksheet simultaneously is required.
Observed behavior: The old scroll bar sliders for freezing rows and columns have been removed in Excel 2021, requiring users to find the new ribbon tools for freezing or splitting panes.

Before you start

Ensure you have opened the workbook containing your dataset. If you plan to freeze both rows and columns, select the single cell exactly below the row and to the right of the column you want to keep visible.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Freeze Panes from the View Tab

Lock specific rows or columns so they remain consistently visible while you scroll through the rest of your worksheet.

Excel 2021 replaced the old scroll bar sliders with dedicated ribbon tools for window management. The Freeze Panes feature is the best method for keeping headers in sight.

Select the target cell

Click on the cell immediately below the row and to the right of the column you wish to keep visible. For example, to freeze row 1 and column A, select cell B2.

Navigate to the View tab

Click on the 'View' tab located on the main ribbon at the top of the Excel window.

Apply Freeze Panes

In the 'Window' group, click 'Freeze Panes' and select 'Freeze Panes' from the dropdown menu. You can also quickly select 'Freeze Top Row' or 'Freeze First Column' if you do not need a custom freeze point.

Verification: A thin dark line will appear on the sheet indicating where the freeze has been applied. Scrolling down or right will now keep those designated sections locked in place.

Solution 2

Use the Split Feature to View Multiple Areas

Divide your worksheet window into separate panes that can be scrolled independently, perfect for comparing data far apart.

Efficient Spreadsheet Management

Freeze Rows and Split Screens Seamlessly with WPS Office

WPS Office Spreadsheet provides an intuitive and highly compatible interface for managing large datasets. You can easily freeze panes or split your view just like in Microsoft Excel, but completely for free.

1. Open your file in WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Excel workbook.
2. Select the freeze point: Click on the cell directly below the row and to the right of the column you want to freeze.
3. Apply Freeze Panes: Go to the View tab, click the Freeze Panes button, and select your preferred freezing option.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) formats.Intuitive View tab layout makes freezing panes and splitting screens straightforward.Lightweight installation and fast loading times for large datasets.Completely free to use with rich data analysis tools.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Excel 2021 remove the scroll bar sliders for splitting the screen?

Microsoft modernized the Excel interface in newer versions, streamlining the UI by consolidating window management features like Split and Freeze Panes directly into the Window group on the View tab, making the interface less cluttered.

How do I unfreeze rows and columns in Excel 2021?

To unfreeze panes, go to the View tab, click on 'Freeze Panes' in the Window group, and select 'Unfreeze Panes' from the dropdown list. The dark indicator lines will disappear.

What is the difference between Freeze Panes and Split Screen?

Freeze Panes locks specific rows or columns in place so they remain permanently visible while you scroll the rest of the sheet. Split Screen divides the window into separate areas (panes) that can each scroll through the entire worksheet independently, which is better for comparing two distant sections of data.

Office App Problems