excel user settings export/import

Question

is there a way where to find where are saved all user's preferences, settings ... all items that can user customize in Excel? Or does exist any tool that is able to export/import them?

Answer 1

Hello @Tomáš Skotnica, 

Thank you for responding. 

For your situation, please take note that: 

Currently, Microsoft Excel does not offer a direct or official method to export or import all user settings, such as macro configurations, interface customizations, or personal preferences, as a single package. This means: 

• There is no built-in tool to back up or transfer all Excel user settings between devices or users. 
• Settings like macro assignments, ribbon customizations, and other UI elements must be handled individually. 

However, you can use Quick Access Toolbar (QAT); it can be exported and imported using a built-in feature and the most practical way to share macro buttons and toolbar setups across multiple users. 

You can follow these steps: 

You can export the QAT configuration from one user and import it to others using a .exportedUI file. 

To Export: 

• You can open Excel. Then, go to File => Options => Quick Access Toolbar. 
• Click Import/Export at the bottom right and choose Export all customizations. 
• Save the .exportedUI file to a shared location. 

To Import: 

• On another user's computer, you can open Excel. 
• Go to File => Options => Quick Access Toolbar and click Import/Export => Import customization file. 

• Select the .exportedUI file and confirm. 

Note: Importing will overwrite the current toolbar and ribbon settings. It’s recommended to back up existing settings before proceeding. 

To ensure macros work for all users, I recommend you: 

• Store the macro-enabled workbook (potisky.xlsb) in a fixed shared network location. 
• Avoid using Personal.xlsb, which is user-specific and not shareable. 
• Ensure users open the shared file correctly and enable macros. 

You can infer more detail in these articles: 

Customize the Quick Access Toolbar - Microsoft Support 

How to Import/Export Excel Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) Customizations 

Note: Microsoft is providing this information as a convenience to you. The sites are not controlled by Microsoft. Microsoft cannot make any representations regarding the quality, safety, or suitability of any software or information found there. Please make sure that you completely understand the risk before retrieving any suggestions from the above link.

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Please feel free to let me know if there’s anything I can help with. 

Looking forward to hearing from you! 

Answer 2

Hello @Tomáš Skotnica, 

Thank you for reaching out to the Q&A forum! 

To support you better, please provide me more detail: 

1. When you mention “all user preferences, settings, and customizable items” in Excel, are you specifically referring to things like: 

• Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar customizations
• Other settings such as default fonts, colors, macros, or advanced options

2. What is the purpose of exporting/importing these settings? 

Are you trying to back them up, transfer them to another computer, or share them with other users? 

3. Are you using a personal Microsoft account (e.g., Hotmail/Outlook) or a work/school account managed by an organization? 
4. Are you looking to export settings for just one user, or for multiple users across your organization? 

I truly want to make sure I understand your exact needs so I can research and provide the most relevant and time-saving solution for you. 

With your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution. Look forward to hearing you!

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Answer 3

Let's say, we have potisky.xlsb saved in shared network drive containing macros. Then we need to customize Quick Access Toolbar to run macros from potisky.xlsb. We need this setting for more users.