Excel Scroll Bar Missing? Try These 11 Methods That Work!

In Microsoft Excel, the scrollbar plays a vital role in navigating spreadsheet data, it allows users to quickly scroll or access thousands of rows/columns within seconds. But sometimes the Excel scroll bar missing, and getting it back is challenging. With this optimized blog, this task will no longer hamper your work. This blog delves into the root cause of the issue and a step-by-step guide for solving the no scroll bar in Excel.

Why is My Scroll Bar Not Showing in Excel?

Have a look over the reason that triggers the missing scroll bar in Excel.

1. Disabled scrollbar: The very first reason is that the scroll bar option is disabled from the Excel application configuration.
2. Outdated Excel software: Running an outdated version of the software is the major factor that causes various issues and errors in Excel including no scroll bar.
3. Minimized scrollbar: Another possibility is that your scroll bar is minimized by mistake. So maybe due to minimizing the scroll bar, it goes missing.
4. Corrupted Excel workbook: If the Excel file gets corrupted, then also scroll bar disappears from the spreadsheet.
5. Out of View: The Excel program got zoomed too much or it somehow got minimized due to a specific amount of screen space. As it has been seen sometimes minimizing the scroll bar for displaying the cell’s information also leads to a scroll bar missing issue.

How to Fix Excel Scroll Bar Missing Issue?

Now that you know what are the root causes behind this problem. So it’s time to resolve these causes to troubleshoot the vertical or horizontal scroll bar missing in Excel problem. Make sure to apply all the given fixes after understanding them well to avoid conflict.

Method 1- Resize App Window

You must try resizing the app window to resolve the issue. Try the below-given steps to resize the app window.

• Make a right-click on the Excel application Windows title bar and then from the list of options choose “Maximize”.
• Once again hit the title bar and choose the Restore option.

Also Read: Ways to Fix Excel Toolbar Missing Issue

Method 2- Resizing The File Window

For conserving the screen space Excel only shows the cells instead of the scroll bar. Here are the steps that you need to follow for displaying the hidden scroll bar.

• Hit the “File Name” present on the top section of Excel screen. After that start dragging it on the left side portion until and unless you can see the file’s right corner.
• Make a tap on the “Right Border” and then drag it on the left side. Do this until you see both the left and right corners are completely visible on the screen.

• Hit the “Full Screen” button and after that check whether the scroll bar is visible to you or not.

Method 3- Enable Scroll Bars Feature (For Mac Users)

If you are a Mac user then you can fix the Excel scroll bar not working by setting up the scroll bar system preferences.

First, set the scroll bar System Preferences.

• Hit the Apple menu and select System Preferences.

• Tap the General option.
• Within the Show scroll bars menu you have to select the Always option. After that close the opened dialog box.

Method 4- Enable Scroll Bar Option to Fix Microsoft Excel Scroll Bar Missing

Chances are high that scroll bar are manually kept hidden. Here are the steps through which you can enable this option.

• Hit the File > Options.

• Go to the Advanced tab, and then scroll down to the Display section.
• Choose the Show vertical scroll bar & Show horizontal scroll bar. After that hit the OK button.

Method 5- Toggle Scroll Bar’s Automatic Hiding

Most of the time it is seen that scroll bars automatically get hidden by themselves. This can also be the reason behind the issue you are experiencing. Follow the steps to turn on this option.

• Hit Start > Settings.
• Now in the opened Windows Settings, scroll down, and hit the Ease of Access > Display.
• Move down and after that disable the option “Automatically hide scroll bars in Windows”.

Also Read: Fixes for Excel Ideas Button Missing

Method 6- Maximize The Scroll Bar

The scroll bar somehow got minimized just to display the maximum worksheet cells. It is kept hidden until you maximize the scroll bar.

Follow the below-given steps to maximize the scroll bar:

• Open your Excel spreadsheet in which you are facing this scroll bar missing issue.
• On the lower right side corner, you will see “3 horizontal Dots” which are present next to the button of “Add”.
• If these 3 dots are visible to you then it means the scroll bar is minimized.
• Hit and press these 3 dots and then drag them in the left direction to make the scrollbar visible again.

After this, check whether the issue has been resolved or not.

Method 7- Arranging Tiles

Sometimes due to the arrangement of tiles issues in the worksheet scroll bar goes missing. All you need to do is follow the below steps to arrange the tiles.

• Hit the “View” tab from the Excel ribbon. After that choose the “Arrange All” option.

• Make a tap over the “Tiled “option and then choose the “OK” button to save all your done changes.

Make a Check whether the issue persists or not.

Method 8- Update MS Excel

Installing the latest update of Excel is often a quick solution to solve various errors and issues including the scroll bar missing in Excel. To update Excel, follow these steps:

• Go to the Start menu then type Microsoft Excel in the search bar.
• Next, click on “File” tab >> choose the Account 
• Then, click on Update Options >> “Update Now”.

Method 9- Repair MS Office

Quick Repair is another option that can assist you in fixing the missing scroll bar in Excel online. Follow the below steps to perform quick repair for MS Office:

• Initially, click on Start menu >> Settings.
• Next, click Apps options.
• Then, in the Apps & features window, look for the Office.

• Now, tap on the version of a MS Office that is installed on your system >> click Modify.
• At this time, you will see “How would you like to repair your Office Programs”
• After that, click on Quick Repair >> Repair.

• Now, the scroll bar will be visible below your Excel worksheet.

Also Read: Fix Missing Gridlines In Excel Issue

Method 10- Use Excel’s “Open & Repair” Tool

As mentioned in the causes section, corruption in the Excel file can also lead to a scrollbar gone problem. In such a situation, you can use Microsoft’s built-in tool (Open and Repair) to repair a corrupt Excel workbook.

Follow the below steps to get your job done:

• Open a new MS Excel file >> go to the File > Open.
• Then, browse and select the corrupt XLS/XLSX file >> click on the Open from a dropdown menu.
• Now, choose Open and Repair >> Repair button.

• If the Repair option doesn’t recover your corrupted Excel file data, click on the Extract Data button.

Method 11- Try Instant Solution To Fix Excel File Corruption

When the Open and Repair tool fails to work, then also you need not get worried. You can still rectify your Excel scroll bar not working or missing issue by resolving the corruption problem with the Excel Repair Software. With this ultimate utility, you can easily repair severely damaged xls or xlsx files.

The advanced algorithm of this utility tool is well-designed to fix any kind of error that occurs due to corruption. The software supports all Excel versions 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 & 2019. Its user-friendly interface is best for native users. Just try the demo version of this Excel repair software.

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* Free version of the product only previews recoverable data.

Steps to Know How This Tool Works:

Related FAQs:

Where Is Scroll Bar Located?

A horizontal bar is located at the bottom of the spreadsheet window and a vertical bar is located on the right side of the spreadsheet window to move the contents up & down or left & right.

Can I Fix the Scroll Bar Issue Without Updating Excel?

Yes, you can fix scroll bar issue without updating the Excel. Resizing the Excel app window, enabling the scroll bar option, and minimizing the scrollbar are other solutions besides updating Excel to tackle the situation.

What Are the Two Types of Scroll Bar?

Vertical scroll bar and horizontal scroll bar are two types of scroll bars in Microsoft Excel.

How Do I Get My Scroll Bar Back in Excel?

To get your scroll bar back in Excel, you have to try the below tips:

• Resizing the File Window
• Enable Scroll Bar Option
• Maximize The Scroll Bar
• Arranging Tiles
• Update MS Excel

Is Seeking Professional Support Necessary for Resolving the Scroll Bar Issue?

When all the DIY solutions fail to work, then seeking the professional support is recommended for resolving the scroll bar issue.

Also Read: Fix Missing/Disappeared Sheet Tabs In Microsoft Excel

To Sum Up

A missing scroll bar in MS Excel can be an annoying obstacle, but it is a challenge that can be easily overcome. Yes, by following our inclusive guide and implementing the solutions outlined in this post, you can navigate through a huge amount of data in the spreadsheet and enjoy your Excel experience.

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