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Is it possible to bulk clear contents of unlocked cells on the online version of Excel?

Anonymous
2025-02-26T11:42:04+00:00

I'm trying to create a simple form for staff to complete on the online version of Excel. Most of the cells are locked and the sheet is protected to avoid manipulation of data that needs to remain as it is. I want to find a quick and easy way to clear the contents of the unlocked cells. Selecting all cells and clicking delete does nothing. The only way I can find is to highlight a range of unlocked cells and clear them, highlight the next range of unlocked cells and clear them, and so on. There must be an easier way! I tried to upload a screenshot but was unsuccessful, so below is an example of the format. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

Locked Locked Locked Locked Locked Locked Locked
Locked Unlocked Unlocked Unlocked Unlocked Unlocked Locked
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Locked Unlocked Unlocked Unlocked Unlocked Unlocked Locked
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Locked Locked Locked Locked Locked Locked Locked
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Locked Unlocked Unlocked Unlocked Unlocked Unlocked Locked
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Locked Unlocked Unlocked Unlocked Unlocked Unlocked Locked
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Locked Locked Locked Locked Locked Locked Locked
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | Other | Windows

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-02-28T10:13:08+00:00

    Hi Aiden,

    I was looking for a convenient way to clear them all at once, but I can see that's not possible.

    Thank you for taking the time to respond, though.

    Cassy

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-02-28T03:10:14+00:00

    Hi, cramoswalton

    Thank you for using Microsoft products and posting them to the community.

    The Online version has some limitations in directly clearing the contents of unlocked cells in batches, but you can directly select the unlocked area and then press the Delete key on the keyboard to clear it. This is also the most convenient solution at present. Are you unable to delete because you selected all?

    I hope the above information can help you. Feel free to send a message if you need further help.

    Best wishes

    Aiden.C - MSFT |Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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