Excel Horizontal Scroll Bar Resizes to Infinity When Inserting Objects

Question

Excel Horizontal Scroll Bar Resizes to Infinity When Inserting Objects

Oren Marnin 0

Reposting the Question since my previous one was left unanswered and was then locked.

I'm using Office LTSC Standard 2024 on Win11.

Whenever I insert any type of new object (shape, chart, image etc.) the horizontal scroll bar resizes to infinity.

This happens on existing files and new ones. Even if I open a new file (without any custom template), after restarting the PC, on a blank sheet, inserting a mere square shape will readjust the scroll bar and the moment I delete it the scroll bar resets to its original size.

Inserting of objects is both using the ribbon (insert shape, chart etc.) and by pasting, with the same result.

I've gone through all of the popular (and less popular) solutions, i.e. clearing\deleting rows and columns, deleting objects, repairing Office installation, running in safe mode, opening a separate admin user in windows to see if there are any corrupt setting on mine - nothing helps.

When I reset the UsedRange it didn't do anything (plus Ctrl+End always sends me to the correct cell) and ScrollArea limited the scrolling of the sheet but didn't readjust the scroll bar so it wasn't any more comfortable.

Was unable to upload an .xlsx file as an example.

Thank you,

Oren

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3 answers

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Answer 1

Abdulmalik Al-Musaiteer 0

This has been an ongoing glitch in Excel and it was apparent in 2016 version too. It's because you have the page layout on RTL instead of LTR. Inserting any floating object corrupt the UI for some reason and it shrink the horizontal scrolling bar to the maximum.

You can go around it by hiding all columns you don't need to force the scrolling bar from going too far. or just set the page to LTR again.

Microsoft. If this was in your radar fix this issue please. If not, now it is.

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Answer 2

Oren Marnin 0

Hi Branka,

As I wrote in my question, all these methods have been tried and failed.

Even when I start with a new blank file, the moment I insert a shape the scroll bar will go to crazy. The UsedRange will still be just cell A1 (checked with Ctrl+End), and when I delete the shape the scroll bar resets to normal.

Oren

Branka Kajiš 100 Reputation points

2025-07-22T17:14:36.0266667+00:00
Hi Oren,

I see. Could you please share:

Your Excel version/build (e.g., Office LTSC 2024, MSO 16.0.xxxx)

A short screencast showing Insert → shape and the scroll bar jump That detail could help identify whether this is a product bug or environment-specific behavior.

Thanks,

Branka Kajiš, MCT
Oren Marnin 0 Reputation points

2025-07-22T18:37:01.4233333+00:00

Hi Branka,

Microsoft® Excel® LTSC MSO (version 2408 Build 16.0.17932.20428) 64bit.

Image 1 - new file

Image 2 - Insert shape menu

Image 3 - added new shape (scroll bar still fine)

image 4 - unselect the shape and the scroll bar resizes

Hope this helps.

Oren
Branka Kajiš 100 Reputation points

2025-07-24T11:46:30.77+00:00
Hello,

thanks for providing additional information. I belive this should be escalated as a UI rendering bug in Excel LTSC (Build 16.0.17932.20428).

I suggest reporting this issue via Excel’s in-app feedback system:

Go to File > Feedback to Microsoft”

Include your version, build number, and mention this specific behavior: “Inserting a shape and then deselecting it causes the scroll bar to expand dramatically, even in a new blank workbook.”

Attach the images you shared (or paste this link to this thread)

This helps Microsoft investigate and prioritize a fix.

Just one more thing. Is behaviour the same when using Excel Online? If it works fine there, that confirms it’s LTSC-specific behavior, possibly fixed in newer channels.

Thanks,

Branka
Oren Marnin 0 Reputation points

2025-07-24T12:03:05.7133333+00:00

I opened the example file online and the scroll bar was fine. I guess that confirms that the problem is with the desktop version.
Branka Kajiš 100 Reputation points

2025-07-24T12:38:40.4233333+00:00

Thanks, Oren - yes, that confirms it’s an issue specific to the desktop Excel version. Most likely it's tied to how shapes are rendered or handled in your LTSC build.

If it becomes disruptive, one workaround is to keep working in Excel Online for shape-heavy files. Otherwise, feel free to report it through File > Feedback so Microsoft can investigate the LTSC-specific behavior.
Oren Marnin 0 Reputation points

2025-07-24T15:50:34.92+00:00

Thanks Branka.

I don't see myself migrating to Excel Online over this, but I did issue a feedback report and would be very happy if this issue is addressed in upcoming updates.
Oren Marnin 0 Reputation points

2025-10-14T22:13:55.8833333+00:00

Hi,

It's been a while and today I updated to Office 365 per my job account.

The build is Microsoft® Excel®‎ for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2509 Build 16.0.19231.20138) 64 bit, but the problem persists.I guess it's not the build version after all. Must be something to do with my OS. any suggestions?

BR,

Oren

Answer 3

Hi Oren,

This behavior usually happens when Excel’s scroll range gets extended by hidden/unused cells or objects. When you insert a shape or chart, even momentarily, the scroll bar jumps to accommodate it. Here’s how to fix it:

Identify the last needed cell (e.g., D20).

Select all rows below that row: Ctrl + Shift + ↓ AND Ctrl + Shift + →, then Clear All (Home → Clear → Clear All).

Save the workbook and close it. This resets Excel’s UsedRange

Optional:

Run this in the VBA Immediate window to force a reset: ActiveSheet.UsedRange Then save and reopen workbook.
OR
Go to Home → Find & Select → Selection Pane. In the pane, select and delete any item located far right. Click Save, close, and reopen Excel. That usually resets the scroll bar.

Let me know how it goes!

Branka Kajiš, MCT