how to unhide rows in excel

Question

I have an Excel file which has hidden rows (and columns), which I am unable to unhide. Any suggestions or advice, please?

Answer 1

Hi CBeeC.

The sheet protection is what is preventing you from unhiding the hidden rows or columns.

Unfortunately, since this is a Microsoft site, Microsoft policy does not allow us to post any information on how to bypass any security measures. Our lost and forgotten password policy is discussed here: Keeping Passwords Secure

Answer 2

Hi,

With any cells on any rows selected press Ctrl+9

You can unhide rows by selecting across the hidden rows and pressing Ctrl+Shift+9. That means if rows 4 and 5 are hidden, you can select from 3 to 6 and use this shortcut.

Answer 3

Hi Rich~M, thank you for this, but it didn't solve my problem as the spreadsheet is protected and I don't know the password to unprotect it. Please let me know if you can share a method of overcoming this. Cheers, CBeeC

Answer 4

Hi Shane, thank you for this but pressing Ctrl+Shift+9 doesn't do anything in my spreadsheet. Regards, CBeeC

Answer 5

Hi CBeeC.

You didn't include what you have tried to do to unhide the rows or columns, so I'll start with the options to do that.

1. You must select rows or columns on both sides of the hidden ones by clicking on the Row numbers or the Column letters to select the entire rows or columns. You can drag those to select the range on both sides. It may be easier to just select the corner square that selects the entire sheet because you won't have to determine which rows or columns are hidden.

Then right click over either a Row number to unhide Rows or a Column letter to unhide Columns and choose Unhide from the menu.

2. On the Home ribbon in the Cells section click on Format and in the menu select 'Hide and Unhide". That will open up a side menu where you can select Unhide Rows or Unhide Columns. Click on them to unhide the hidden Rows or Columns.