I cannot use filter, it is disabled in excel

Question

I cannot use filter, it is disabled in excel

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to Microsoft Community. I am a Microsoft user just like you, I hope you are doing well

There are a few possible reasons why the filter option is disabled in Excel. Here are some common scenarios and solutions:

• You are using a shared workbook. Filtering is not available in shared workbooks, unless you unshare them first. To do this, go to Review > Share Workbook and uncheck the Allow changes by more than one user at the same time option. Click OK and save the workbook. Then, you can add and use filters as usual.

• You are using a protected worksheet. Filtering is not available in protected worksheets, unless you unprotect them first. To do this, go to Review > Unprotect Sheet and enter the password if prompted. Click OK and then you can add and use filters as usual.

• You are using an Excel table. Filtering is automatically applied to Excel tables, so you do not need to add filters manually. You can use the drop-down arrows in the table headers to filter the data. If you do not see the drop-down arrows, make sure the Table Tools Design tab is selected and check the Filter Button option in the Table Style Options group.

• You are using an older version of Excel. Filtering may not be compatible with some older versions of Excel, such as Excel 2003 or earlier. You may need to upgrade to a newer version of Excel to use the filter feature.

Answer 2

Hello,

Can you please provide a screenshot? Did you try highlighting the content before using the filter button?

Answer 3

Thanks Dillon and Kazi

I am now highlighting the content

Also upgraded the excel version to current

Now I can see the filter button active

Answer 4

Filter button disabled in Table Design tab... in some tables

Hello,

Can someone explain why the filter button option under Table Style Options under the Table Design tab in Excel appear disabled for some tables, and enabled for others... all on the same worksheet? I'm scratching my head on this one as a 35 year veteran Excel user. There is no worksheet protection.

I am using the latest version of Excel 365 on Windows 10. I've never seen this situation before.

See screenshots below.

Screenshot 1:

In the table below, the filter button option becomes disabled when I click in one table.

Screenshot 2:

In other tables, like the one below on the same worksheet, the filter button becomes enabled.

Rupertsland,

Canada