How to Set Excel Find to Search the Entire Workbook by Default
Question details
The user wants to permanently change the default scope of the Excel Find feature from the active sheet to the entire workbook.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Searching for data or specific values across multiple worksheets within an Excel file.
- Observed behavior
- Excel searches only the active sheet by default, requiring the user to manually change the scope to 'Workbook' every time they reopen the application.
Press Ctrl + F to open the Find and Replace dialog box. Keep in mind that while you can search across an entire workbook, Microsoft Excel currently does not allow you to set 'Workbook' as the permanent default search scope natively.
Manually Change the Search Scope to Workbook
Since there is no permanent setting available, you must adjust the search scope manually. Excel will remember this setting for your current active session.
While Microsoft does not provide a global toggle to alter the default Find behavior permanently, changing it manually is quick. Once changed during a session, Excel retains the 'Workbook' scope until you completely close the program.
Press the Ctrl + F keyboard shortcut (or Cmd + F on Mac) to launch the Find dialog box.
Click the 'Options >>' button in the dialog box to reveal advanced search settings.
Locate the 'Within' dropdown menu and change the selection from 'Sheet' to 'Workbook'.
Enter your search term in the 'Find what' field and click 'Find All' or 'Find Next' to search across all tabs in the file.
Automate Workbook Searches with a VBA Macro
If you frequently need to search the entire workbook and want to bypass the default Find dialog limitations, you can use a VBA macro.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Management
While changing the default search scope permanently isn't natively supported in Microsoft Excel, WPS Office offers a lightweight, free, and highly compatible alternative for handling all your data tasks. Enjoy a familiar interface and robust search tools without expensive subscriptions.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click 'Download WPS Office Free' to get the installer.
- 2. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing .xlsx workbook directly without formatting loss.
- 3. Search Your Workbook: Press Ctrl + F, click Options, and set your search scope to Workbook for rapid data retrieval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel keep reverting my search scope to Sheet?
Excel is hardcoded by Microsoft to default the Find and Replace 'Within' scope to the active worksheet. The application resets this preference to 'Sheet' every time you completely close and reopen the program.
Can I change the default Find scope using Excel's Options menu?
No, there is currently no built-in setting within Excel's Options or Advanced settings to permanently change the default Find scope from Sheet to Workbook.
Does the 'Workbook' search scope apply to hidden sheets?
Yes, if you select 'Workbook' in the Find options, Excel will search through all worksheets in the file, including those that are currently hidden from view.
How can I request Microsoft to add a default search scope setting?
You can submit or vote for this feature request on the official Microsoft Feedback portal. Microsoft product teams monitor this portal for user suggestions to include in future Office updates.
