Freeze Pane not working in Excel [Fix]

Freeze Pane is a feature in Excel that keeps rows and columns visible while the rest of the worksheet scrolls (based on the current selection). But what if it is frozen? In this tutorial, we will explain how to fix the issue where the Freeze pane is not working in Excel.

Fix Freeze pane not working in Excel

If the Freeze pane is frozen or not working in Excel, follow the suggestions mentioned to resolve the issue successfully:

1. Change the Page Layout view.
2. Unprotect the worksheet.
3. Unfreeze the worksheet pane.
4. Use table instead of freeze top row.
5. Using Microsoft Excel Repair Tool.

1] Change the Page Layout view

If the spreadsheet is in Page Layout view, please change to either the Page Break Preview or the Normal view.

Click the View tab and then click the Normal view button in the Workbook Views group.

Now, check to see if the issue is fixed.

2] Unprotect the worksheet

You can fix this issue by unprotecting the Workbook. Follow the steps below.

Click the Review tab, then click the Protect Workbook button. To know if the spreadsheet is Protected, the Protect Workbook button will be Green; if it is not Green, that means it is unprotected.

An Unprotected worksheet dialog box will open.

Type the password to unprotect the worksheet, then click OK.

3] Unfreeze the worksheet pane

Click the View tab, then click the Freeze Panes button drop-down arrow in the Window group.

Now, select Unfreeze Panes from the menu.

4] Use table instead of freeze top row

Instead of freezing the top row, you can format your data as a table instead.

Highlight the table from the columns.

Click the Home tab, click the drop-down arrow for the Format as Table button, then choose a style from the menu.

A Create table dialog box will open, showcasing the range of the table you have highlighted, then click OK.

Once you have selected a style from the menu, you will notice that Excel has converted your columns with top row contents when you scroll down. Your columns will become like header titles.

5] Using Microsoft Excel Repair Tool

Sometimes, the Freeze Pane will not work due to the corrupted file. To fix this issue, you must use the Microsoft Excel Repair Tool. Follow the steps below to use the Microsoft Excel Repair Tool.

• Close the corrupt Excel File.
• Open Microsoft Excel again.
• Click File.
• On the Backstage View, click Open, then click Browse.
• Search for the corrupted file.
• Click the Open drop-down arrow and select Open and Repair.

We hope this helps you fix the Excel Freeze pane not working issue.

Why won’t my freeze panes work in Excel?

In Microsoft Excel, the Freeze Pane can stop working for several reasons:

• Your Freeze Pane can stop working due to your workbook being in Page Layout view. Freeze Pane can be disabled in that view.
• Freeze Pane can stop working in Excel due to the Protect Worksheet feature being turned on. To fix this issue, you must unprotect the workbook.
• Freeze also does not work due to corrupted files.

READ: Excel Auto Recover not working

Why is Freeze panes greyed out?

If you open your Excel application and notice that the Freeze Pane button is greyed out, that means that the worksheet is in Layout View. The Layout View is on the View tab; please switch to the normal view.

READ: Excel not recognizing Dates.