Is the insert row option greyed out on Excel?
Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet tool that can process thousands of data. The software is incorporated with Microsoft Office Suite and is mostly used for data analysis, documentation, and numerical graphs.
Being around since 1985, there is no doubt that Microsoft Excel is the leading spreadsheet tool in the world.
Despite being around for many years, this doesn’t exempt the app from problems. Like any other software, Microsoft Excel can run into various errors and issues.
Recently, users have been complaining on different forums about the insert row option greyed out on Excel. Due to this, they are unable to modify their current spreadsheet file, which gets in the way of their productivity.
Most of the time, this issue is caused by corrupted app data. However, it can also be due to improper configurations or incorrect use of the app.
Today, we will show you what to do if the insert row option is greyed out on Excel.
Let’s get right into it!
1. Reset Microsoft Excel XLB File.
The most effective way to address this problem on Microsoft Excel is to reset the XLB file in your storage. This should reset Excel’s app data and eliminate errors that may have occurred during use.
Here’s what you need to do:
- First, press the Wi\ndows + R keys on your keyboard to launch the Run window.
- After that, type ‘%appdata%\Microsoft\Excel’ and hit Enter to open the path.
- Lastly, look for the .XLB file inside the folder and move it somewhere else.
Restart your system afterward and check if the problem is solved.
2. Unprotect Your Excel File.
A protected workbook or worksheet will cause the insert row option to be greyed out since any modification on the Excel file is prohibited. To fix this, unprotect your file to allow modifications.
Follow the guide below to unlock your file:
- Launch Microsoft Excel on your computer and open the file.
- Next, click on the Review tab in the navigation bar.
- Finally, click on Unprotect Sheet and Unprotect Workbook.
Restart Excel and see if the insert row option is available.
3. Check for Selected Columns.
When you need to insert a new row, you must select an existing row and insert the new one below or above it. However, if you have selected a column in your spreadsheet, the insert row option will be greyed out.
If the insert row option is greyed out on Excel, ensure that you have not selected a column in the spreadsheet.
4. Exit Cell Edit Mode.
If you want to insert a new row in Microsoft Excel, your cursor should not be in Cell Edit mode. If you are in cell editing mode, you should exit the mode by pressing the ESC button on your keyboard.
Once done, you’ll notice that the insert row option will be available.
5. Check Your Configurations.
The insert row option might not be enabled in your settings, explaining why the feature is greyed out in the toolbar.
Here’s what you need to do:
- First, open Microsoft Excel.
- After that, click on File > Options.
- Go to the Advanced tab afterward and look for the Display Options section.
- Lastly, select All and click OK to save the changes.
Go back to your file and see if the insert row option is available.
6. Disable Excel Add-ins.
Microsoft Excel Add-ins are third-party tools that provide extra functionality to your spreadsheet. They can perform various functions, which makes your overall experience better. However, you might be using an add-in that disables the insert row option.
To rule this out, we suggest disabling any add-in you are using on Excel.
- Launch Microsoft Excel on your computer.
- Next, click on the File tab and choose Options.
- Access the Add–ins tab afterward and disable your add-ins.
Restart Microsoft Excel and see if the problem is solved.
That ends our guide on what to do if the insert row option is greyed out on Excel. If you have questions, please drop a comment below, and we’ll do our best to answer them.
If this guide helped you, please share it. 🙂
