Changed / Remapped Excel Shortcuts in Microsoft 365

Analyst here using Excel on my own PC. Currently using a Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 with a valid subscription. However, some Excel shortcuts that everyone uses on our firm computer are remapped / missing, and there is no option to customize shortcuts on the newest version. I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling, and have also tried shifting from Microsoft 365 to the older Office 2021 version, but all to no avail. 

For example, Ctrl + Shift + V no longer pastes unformatted texts, Ctrl + Shift + Plus sign doesn't insert a column, and the biggest change for me was Ctrl + R for right fill was completely overridden for another function. Now it's remapped to Ctrl + Windows + R. Not sure why this is happening and would love any pointers if any of you have encounterd a similar issue. Thanks!

Ctrl + R remapped

4 Comments
 

It seems like you're facing a frustrating issue with remapped or missing Excel shortcuts in Microsoft 365 on Windows 11. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some potential solutions and workarounds:

1. Check for Conflicting System Shortcuts

  • Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 may have introduced system-level shortcuts that override Excel's default ones. For example, Ctrl + Shift + V might be intercepted by Windows or another app.
  • Solution: Go to Windows Settings > Keyboard Shortcuts and check if any system shortcuts conflict with Excel's. Disable or remap them if possible.

2. Use the Ribbon and Alt Key Navigation

  • If shortcuts are remapped or missing, you can still access most functions using the Alt key navigation. For example:
    • Paste Special (Values): Alt + E + S + V
    • Insert Column: Use Alt + H + I + C
    • Right Fill: Use Alt + H + F + I
  • This method bypasses the need for direct shortcuts and ensures you can still perform the required actions.

3. Revert to Default Settings

  • Sometimes, custom settings or add-ins can interfere with shortcuts.
  • Solution: Reset Excel to its default settings:
    1. Open Excel.
    2. Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
    3. Disable any third-party add-ins.
    4. Restart Excel and test the shortcuts.

4. Create Custom Macros

  • Since Microsoft 365 doesn't allow direct shortcut customization, you can create macros to replicate the missing functionality and assign them to custom key combinations.
  • Example for Ctrl + Shift + V to paste unformatted text: vba Sub PasteValues() Selection.PasteSpecial Paste:=xlPasteValues End Sub Assign this macro to a custom shortcut via the Developer tab.

5. Check for Regional or Language Settings

  • Keyboard layouts or regional settings might affect shortcut behavior.
  • Solution: Ensure your keyboard layout matches the one used on your firm's computers. Go to Windows Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region.

6. Use Quick Access Toolbar (QAT)

  • Add frequently used commands to the QAT for easy access:
    1. Right-click on the command in the Ribbon.
    2. Select "Add to Quick Access Toolbar."
    3. Use Alt + [Number] to trigger the command.

7. Reinstall and Update

  • If none of the above works, ensure your Microsoft 365 and Windows 11 are fully updated. Sometimes, bugs in specific builds can cause such issues.

If these steps don't resolve the issue, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support or checking for updates in the Microsoft 365 forums. Good luck, and may your Excel shortcuts return to their rightful place!

Sources: EXCEL cheats megathread, Common Hotkeys - What do you use?, EXCEL cheats megathread, Favorite Excel Shortcuts, Most used excel shortcuts?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Est quibusdam et ut aperiam atque id qui. Doloremque doloribus maxime eum est voluptatem voluptates. Enim et vel qui ea. Quisquam nihil eos tempore dolorum.

Eaque dignissimos officia reiciendis vel qui. Sint itaque harum labore quo odio vitae maiores sed. A minus amet molestias est nihil consequatur veritatis consequuntur. Est omnis qui sint sunt.

Accusantium delectus qui reprehenderit quod est. Quidem est iste et unde veritatis quis tempora.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2025 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 08 99.5%
  • Goldman Sachs No 98.9%
  • Moelis & Company 04 98.4%
  • Citigroup 11 97.8%
  • Houlihan Lokey 08 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2025 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 10 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company No 98.9%
  • RBC Royal Bank of Canada 03 98.3%
  • Houlihan Lokey 15 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2025 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 08 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Houlihan Lokey 11 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs No 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2025 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $321
  • Associates (60) $237
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (9) $210
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $167
  • 2nd Year Analyst (33) $166
  • 1st Year Analyst (100) $145
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (101) $103
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”