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.
 

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