Office Settings & Configuration

How to Restore Changed Excel Keyboard Shortcuts in Microsoft 365

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to restore or revert Excel keyboard shortcuts that have changed their default behavior after a recent update.

Product: Microsoft Excel 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Using familiar keyboard shortcuts (such as Alt+P) after a Microsoft 365 software update or new feature rollout.
Observed behavior: Previously working keyboard shortcuts now open different menus or perform different actions, and there is no visible setting to revert to the old shortcut layout.

Before you start

Before proceeding, confirm that your keyboard hardware is functioning correctly and that no third-party macro or shortcut management software is overriding Excel's default keystrokes.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Office Version and Submit Feature Feedback

Because Microsoft Excel currently lacks a built-in feature to roll back shortcut keys, you must check your version to confirm the update and submit direct feedback requesting shortcut customization.

Shortcut changes typically result from Microsoft rolling out new features or updates to your specific Microsoft 365 subscription channel.

Currently, Excel does not offer a direct administrative or user setting to restore the former keyboard shortcuts once an update alters them.

Check your Microsoft Office version

Open Microsoft Excel. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, then select 'Account' from the left sidebar. Review the product and version information under 'Product Information' to confirm which build introduced the changes.

Submit feedback requesting customization

Since you cannot revert the changes locally, you should send a request to Microsoft. Click on the 'Help' tab in the Excel ribbon, select 'Feedback', and choose 'I have a suggestion' to request customizable keyboard shortcuts.

System Limitation: Unlike Microsoft Word, Excel does not have a native 'Customize Keyboard' dialog box to manually reassign shortcut keys altered by system updates.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Stable Keyboard Shortcuts with WPS Office

Since Microsoft 365 forced updates can unpredictably alter your familiar spreadsheet shortcuts and offers no way to change them back, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, consistent, and highly compatible alternative without disruptive unannounced interface changes.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation package for your operating system.
2. Install the Application: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
3. Open Your Excel Files: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing .xlsx files to continue working with familiar, stable keyboard shortcuts.

Familiar interface with stable, standard keyboard shortcuts that rarely change.Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel file formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv).Free and lightweight, running smoothly even on older devices.All-in-one suite allowing you to manage spreadsheets, documents, and presentations seamlessly.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Excel keyboard shortcuts suddenly change?

Microsoft 365 frequently pushes automatic updates that introduce new tools or rearrange the ribbon. These updates can reassign existing shortcut keys (like Alt+P) to new menus or features.

Can I customize keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Excel?

No, Excel currently does not have a built-in feature to fully customize or reassign keyboard shortcuts, unlike Microsoft Word. Users must rely on default mappings or use third-party macro software.

Is it possible for an IT administrator to restore previous Excel shortcuts?

Administrators cannot directly restore the previous shortcut scheme using native Microsoft 365 admin tools after an update has changed them.

Does WPS Office support standard Excel keyboard shortcuts?

Yes, WPS Spreadsheet supports most of the standard spreadsheet keyboard shortcuts, ensuring a seamless and familiar transition for users migrating from Microsoft Excel.

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