Microsoft 365 - Excel. Cannot sort data or edit cells...Works fine in Libraoffice

Question

Seriously, Microsoft office 365 is just a painful piece of software. What used to be the go to is now bogged down in permissions, controls and a complete failure around usability. I cannot sort data or edit cell types in excel (Experienced user). I gave up, installed Libra Office and no issues. Good chance I wont be renewing my 365 subscription. Microsoft has gone way too far in their Addiction for control. People just want an app that works. You removed Publisher which was an excellent tool (And the format the majority of my documents were in). So thanks for that. Microsoft no longer meets my needs sadly, after decades of being a loyal customer. Your help desk is an exercise in frustration. I know this is more of a rant but if someone isnt telling you, you wont change. Serve your customers instead of ideologies.

Answer 1

Not to be dismissive in any way but you are not communicating with Microsoft here. These Communities are hosted by Microsoft but are monitored by volunteer contributors & paid 3rd party agents, not Microsoft employees.

If you want to express your opinion to Microsoft use the Help> Feedback feature provided in the menu bar of the respective Office program.

Answer 2

The behavior described (unable to sort data or edit cells in Excel while the same file works in LibreOffice) is typically caused by protection, read-only status, or a known Excel issue, not by a general removal of functionality.

Check the following in Excel for Microsoft 365 on macOS:

1. Verify the workbook/worksheet is not protected
   • On the Review tab, check whether Protect Sheet or Protect Workbook is active.
   • If protection is enabled, unprotect using the password (if required). When a workbook or sheet is protected, sorting and changing cell formats can be blocked.
   • Note that if the workbook references a protected external .xlsb file, structure protection can be inherited. In that case, unlock using the password for the external .xlsb file.
2. Confirm the file is not opening read-only
   • If the file is stored on OneDrive, SharePoint, or a network share, check whether it is marked read-only or checked out by someone else.
   • If Excel shows a banner like “Read-Only” or “Protected View,” choose Enable Editing if available.
3. Update Excel to the latest version
   • Several Excel issues that affect editing and responsiveness have been fixed in newer builds. Use Help → Check for Updates (or Microsoft AutoUpdate) and install the latest updates.
   • Known issues such as Excel hanging, not responding, or misbehaving when working with certain workbooks have been addressed in recent updates.
4. Use guided troubleshooting or repair if problems persist
   • If Excel continues to misbehave while LibreOffice works, use the Excel troubleshooting guidance to repair or recover the workbook, or to diagnose whether the issue is with the app installation.
   • If necessary, completely uninstall Microsoft 365 and reinstall it to rule out a corrupted installation.

If none of these steps restore normal editing and sorting, use the in-app feedback mechanism to submit details (including screenshots) so the Excel team can investigate, and consider contacting support via the Excel troubleshooting and support entry points.

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References:

• Cannot edit structure of Excel workbooks when referencing an Excel XLSB file
• Excel prompts you to grant access to files and then hangs or shows a warning that it cannot open the .xlsx file because the format or extension is not valid
• Troubleshooting and support
• How do I give feedback on Microsoft 365?
• Fixes or workarounds for recent Office issues
• Microsoft 365 subscription features aren't available in Office apps