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Office Settings & Configuration

How to Use the Quick Access Toolbar in Excel for the Web

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to configure and use the Quick Access Toolbar in Microsoft 365 Excel for the web to keep frequently used commands easily accessible.

Product
Microsoft Excel for the web
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Attempting to customize the interface and add preferred shortcuts to the Quick Access Toolbar for a faster workflow in the browser.
Observed behavior
The Quick Access Toolbar cannot be found or configured in Excel for the web, as the feature is restricted entirely to desktop environments.
Before you start

Verify whether you are currently working in a web browser or using a locally installed desktop application, as toolbar customization capabilities vary significantly between the two.

Solution 1Recommended

Open the Workbook in the Excel Desktop App

Since the Quick Access Toolbar is fundamentally incompatible with Excel for the web, you must switch your current session to a desktop version of Office to use it.

The Quick Access Toolbar is a desktop-exclusive feature. Microsoft intentionally omits this customizable toolbar in their web versions to keep the online interface lightweight and streamlined.

To utilize customized shortcuts, you will need to seamlessly transition your web document to your locally installed desktop software.

1
Locate the desktop transition button

Open your spreadsheet in Excel for the web. Look at the top ribbon menu and find the 'Editing' or 'Viewing' dropdown menu.

2
Launch the desktop application

Click the 'Open in Desktop App' button. Your browser may prompt you to allow the site to open an external application; click 'Allow' or 'Open'.

3
Customize the toolbar

Once the file opens in your desktop version of Excel, right-click anywhere on the ribbon and select 'Customize Quick Access Toolbar' to add your preferred commands.

Desktop License Required: You must have a valid Microsoft 365 subscription and the desktop applications installed on your computer for the 'Open in Desktop App' feature to work.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Get Full Toolbar Customization with WPS Office

Frustrated by missing features in web-based spreadsheets? WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office. It offers a fully customizable Quick Access Toolbar out of the box, allowing you to optimize your workflow locally without paying for expensive desktop subscriptions.

  1. 1. Install the software: Download and install the free WPS Office application on your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.
  2. 2. Open WPS Spreadsheets: Launch the program and open your spreadsheet. Look for the Quick Access Toolbar at the very top-left of the window.
  3. 3. Customize commands: Click the small drop-down arrow next to the toolbar and select 'More Commands' to add specific tools, macros, and shortcuts.
Fully customizable Quick Access Toolbar to pin all your most-used commands.Seamless format compatibility with Microsoft Excel files (.xlsx, .xls, .csv).Free desktop application with a familiar interface and zero browser limitations.Works flawlessly offline, ensuring uninterrupted productivity.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Microsoft add the Quick Access Toolbar to Excel for the web?

Currently, Microsoft has not announced plans to bring the customizable Quick Access Toolbar to the web version. The online interface is intentionally designed to be minimalistic to ensure fast loading times in web browsers.

How can I access my favorite commands quickly in Excel for the web?

While you cannot use a custom toolbar, you can utilize built-in keyboard shortcuts (such as Ctrl+C for copy) or use the 'Search' bar (Alt+Q) at the top of the screen to quickly find and execute specific commands.

Is the Quick Access Toolbar available on Excel for Mac?

Yes, the Quick Access Toolbar is fully available and customizable on the desktop version of Excel for Mac, just as it is on the Windows desktop application.

Why are some features missing from Excel for the web?

Excel for the web is a lightweight counterpart to the desktop application, optimized for quick edits and real-time collaboration. Advanced formatting, VBA macros, and heavy UI customizations are excluded to maintain browser performance.