Forum Discussion

lobo114's avatar
lobo114
Brass Contributor
Dec 10, 2025

Multiple greyed out buttons

I have a spreadsheet that is stored on a Teams page that multiple people can access. I used to have full functionality but now a lot of the buttons are greyed out. On the Review tab, it won't let me select Unprotect Sheet as shown in the attachment. All of the toolbars, Home, Insert, Page Layout, etc. have greyed out buttons. All of the sheets are ungrouped so that doesn't seem to be the issue. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get the functionality back?

excel

1 Reply

  • NikolinoDE's avatar
    NikolinoDE
    Platinum Contributor
    Dec 16, 2025

    This is a very common Excel + Teams/SharePoint scenario, and it’s almost never corruption.
    The behavior you describe points to how the file is opened / protected, not grouping.

     

    The #1 cause (by far): File is opened in Excel for the web / limited mode

    When a file is stored in Teams, Excel often opens it in a mode where many commands are disabled, even if you have edit permissions.

    Symptoms that match perfectly

    • Many buttons greyed out across Home / Insert / Review
    • Unprotect Sheet is disabled
    • Happens even though you used to have full access
    • File lives in a Teams channel

    Fix

    1. In Teams → click Open in Excel (not “Open”)
    2. Or open the file directly from:
    3. SharePoint → Open → Open in Desktop App
    4. Make sure the title bar says:
    5. Excel (Desktop)

    Info: Excel for the web cannot unprotect sheets, even if you know the password.

     

    Second most common cause: The workbook is protected, not the sheet

    If Protect Workbook (Structure) is enabled:

    • You cannot unprotect sheets
    • Many buttons across the ribbon are disabled
    • Sheets appear ungrouped → but structure is still locked

    Check this

    Go to:

    Review → Protect Workbook

    If it says Unprotect Workbook, click it and enter the password.

    This is often set accidentally and forgotten.

     

    Third cause: You are not the file owner

    In Teams / SharePoint:

    • You may have Edit permission
    • But not be the original owner
    • Some protections can only be removed by the owner

    Check ownership

    • Right-click file → Details
    • Or check in SharePoint → Manage Access

    If someone else owns it:
    They must unprotect it once, then save.

     

    Most likely fix (90% of cases)

    Open the file in Excel Desktop and unprotect the workbook structure.

     

    My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

    Hope this will help you.

    Was the answer useful? Mark as best response and like it!

    This will help all forum participants.

Resources