Who do I ask, Microsoft, SharePoint, Excel Online experts, OneDrive....?

Question

Who do I ask, Microsoft, SharePoint, Excel Online experts, OneDrive....?

BrainStain00 25

I have a large Excel Online file that about 20 people use daily. I created this from scratch, and its been working for about 2 years without any problem. Multiples use/edit/share from it daily.

It seems today I lost the Automate top menu tab/button, of which I've made probably 50 scripts associated to buttons I have all throughout this file.

My cursor now turns into a BIG plus sign with arrows on it, maybe it thinks I want to move it when I mouse-over a button I made, and it will not click-run the script I made, (just saying that I kind of know how this file works).

Who do I ask for help with this since its Excel-Online, in OneDrive, in the Sharepoint workings (if I said all that correctly)?

Other people that use this can still click on buttons and run the script, (maybe they never closed their file since its still allowing them?) What/Who do I look for to help fix this please?

Thanks

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Answer accepted by question author

Hendrix-C 20,020 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi @BrainStain00,

Based on your sharing, it is likely that your Office scripts become unavailable in your browser/session, not a problem with the workbook. Since other people can still run the same workbook buttons except you, that is a strongly prove this is a local problem to your browser profile or account session.

About the big plus sign with arrows, it seems that Excel is treating the on-sheet script button as a worksheet object than an active script trigger and this problem is consistent with the main problem that Office scripts not being available. Therefore, I suggest we concentrate on narrowing down the scripts issue first:

Try a different browser from the one that you are currently using (e.g. if you are using Edge, try with Chrome, Firefox, etc.)
In the browser, open browser settings and ensure third-party cookies are allowed (or disable "Block third-party cookies)
Sign into only your normal work account that has access and open the workbook
Check if you can see the Automate tab and try if you can use the buttons properly there.

Please understand that my initial response does not always resolve the issue immediately. However, you can try these steps and let me know if it works for you. If not, we can work together to find a solution.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to share them in the comments on this post so I can continue to support you.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. I'm looking forward to your reply.

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it.

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BrainStain00 25 Reputation points

2026-04-08T13:29:05.9566667+00:00

I have switched over to another browser, and this seems to help. I cleared the history to some point, all that it would let me, still much locked in it wont allow to clear, and I can at least click and run the buttons.

I still can not see the Automate tab at the top, which sounds like I still cant create or edit any scripts in my original browser, but in the changed to browser, it appears I can.

One thing Im confused about, is that one of my users opens up Excel Desktop to make changes because he doesnt know much about the Online workings, and I know on one of my Excel tools I created and have to click the button on the right of the screen to Open in Desktop mode just to be able to put the screen in Full Screen mode, so I have the Online version running, AND the Desktop version going at the same time, but mostly make edits in the Online version.

Is it safe to edit the desktop version hoping the Online version will bring those into its screens or memory, there are about 15 screens in either case? I know this is a little off subject, but I didnt know whither to tell him to just stay in the Online version to do his work?

Would this have anything to do some things not working, because when I go into the desktop mode, I CAN see the Automate tab even tho it not showing in the Online mode?

Thanks for the ideas to get me jump started.
Hendrix-C 20,020 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-04-08T23:08:25.34+00:00
Hi @BrainStain00,

Thank you for your prompt response.

For your concern, let me provide some details shortly based on your questions:

1/ Is it safe for your user to stay in Desktop?

Yes, but with these conditions: the file is in OneDrive/SharePoint, the user has a Microsoft 365 subscription to supports co-authoring, and AutoSave is on so changes will be uploaded continuously.

2/ Should that user to stay in Online only?

It's not necessary since Microsoft supports co-authoring from Excel for the web and Excel for Windows desktop for Microsoft 365 customers, so your user can work from Desktop if that’s what he can understand and work best with.

3/ Could opening Desktop and Web at the same time cause “something not working”?

Yes, it may cause confusion or sync-related issue, especially if the same person edits in both places at once, or if some automation depends on state outside the workbook content.

4/ Does Desktop showing Automate while Web does not mean the Desktop session is causing the problem?

Based on my knowledge, it's not really like that. Missing Automate tab in Excel on the web points to things like third-party cookies, license/access, admin controls, etc., which are web/session requirements, not because Desktop is open at the same time.

At the moment, I suggest temporarily using the working browser for script creation/editing for now, since the Automate tab appears there. In the meantime, you can check which is the problem causing the old browser no longer works (like browser caches, cookies from websites, etc.)

Hope my sharing will be helpful. If you need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out again. I'm happy to help.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Looking forward to your response.
BrainStain00 25 Reputation points

2026-04-09T16:37:50.8766667+00:00

Thank you Hendrix-C for those solid answers.

I must continue using my secondary Browser just to get the 'Automate' to show, just created another useful button this morning to save time. Sad to think I don't know a way to clear things if Automate stops showing in THIS browser, but I think your suggestions to clear some room will be my next job to allow it to show in both browsers.

After I cleared "cookies" and "site data" before, it still clung onto almost a Gig of room to work "something", (I think I have a Cookie Monster in there that just won't let go). Closed the browser and quickly reloaded that page, saw Automate flash in its place, but then disappeared just as fast, maybe I'm getting close.

Thanks for the pointers on what users 'can and shouldn't be used' for this tool I made, I had only used it with the Online version for 2 years thinking it was the only way, before he told me he had used the Desktop version of it at times, so thanks for the input about that.

I had made another big file that I seem to have to run two different Online files since they're linked with formulas to get data that is constantly getting input on one and populates the other automaticaly, and have to run the final version in Desktop just to get the true FULL SCREEN look like a dashboard look, (so 3 files always communicating) so that's one case where the Desktop has to be run constantly for aesthetic's.

Thanks Hendrix-C for the ear and solid help.
Hendrix-C 20,020 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-04-10T17:19:56.2266667+00:00

You are welcome @BrainStain00

It's glad that my sharing can help with your concerns.

If you have any concerns or questions in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out again. Not only will I be happy to assist you, but all moderators in the Q&A forum will also do their best to provide support and guidance.

Wishing you a wonderful day ahead.

1 additional answer

Your answer

BrainStain00 25 Reputation points

2026-04-08T13:29:05.9566667+00:00

I have switched over to another browser, and this seems to help. I cleared the history to some point, all that it would let me, still much locked in it wont allow to clear, and I can at least click and run the buttons.

I still can not see the Automate tab at the top, which sounds like I still cant create or edit any scripts in my original browser, but in the changed to browser, it appears I can.

One thing Im confused about, is that one of my users opens up Excel Desktop to make changes because he doesnt know much about the Online workings, and I know on one of my Excel tools I created and have to click the button on the right of the screen to Open in Desktop mode just to be able to put the screen in Full Screen mode, so I have the Online version running, AND the Desktop version going at the same time, but mostly make edits in the Online version.

Is it safe to edit the desktop version hoping the Online version will bring those into its screens or memory, there are about 15 screens in either case? I know this is a little off subject, but I didnt know whither to tell him to just stay in the Online version to do his work?

Would this have anything to do some things not working, because when I go into the desktop mode, I CAN see the Automate tab even tho it not showing in the Online mode?

Thanks for the ideas to get me jump started.
Hendrix-C 20,020 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-04-08T23:08:25.34+00:00

Hi @BrainStain00,

Thank you for your prompt response.

For your concern, let me provide some details shortly based on your questions:

1/ Is it safe for your user to stay in Desktop?

Yes, but with these conditions: the file is in OneDrive/SharePoint, the user has a Microsoft 365 subscription to supports co-authoring, and AutoSave is on so changes will be uploaded continuously.

2/ Should that user to stay in Online only?

It's not necessary since Microsoft supports co-authoring from Excel for the web and Excel for Windows desktop for Microsoft 365 customers, so your user can work from Desktop if that’s what he can understand and work best with.

3/ Could opening Desktop and Web at the same time cause “something not working”?

Yes, it may cause confusion or sync-related issue, especially if the same person edits in both places at once, or if some automation depends on state outside the workbook content.

4/ Does Desktop showing Automate while Web does not mean the Desktop session is causing the problem?

Based on my knowledge, it's not really like that. Missing Automate tab in Excel on the web points to things like third-party cookies, license/access, admin controls, etc., which are web/session requirements, not because Desktop is open at the same time.

At the moment, I suggest temporarily using the working browser for script creation/editing for now, since the Automate tab appears there. In the meantime, you can check which is the problem causing the old browser no longer works (like browser caches, cookies from websites, etc.)

Hope my sharing will be helpful. If you need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out again. I'm happy to help.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Looking forward to your response.
BrainStain00 25 Reputation points

2026-04-09T16:37:50.8766667+00:00

Thank you Hendrix-C for those solid answers.

I must continue using my secondary Browser just to get the 'Automate' to show, just created another useful button this morning to save time. Sad to think I don't know a way to clear things if Automate stops showing in THIS browser, but I think your suggestions to clear some room will be my next job to allow it to show in both browsers.

After I cleared "cookies" and "site data" before, it still clung onto almost a Gig of room to work "something", (I think I have a Cookie Monster in there that just won't let go). Closed the browser and quickly reloaded that page, saw Automate flash in its place, but then disappeared just as fast, maybe I'm getting close.

Thanks for the pointers on what users 'can and shouldn't be used' for this tool I made, I had only used it with the Online version for 2 years thinking it was the only way, before he told me he had used the Desktop version of it at times, so thanks for the input about that.

I had made another big file that I seem to have to run two different Online files since they're linked with formulas to get data that is constantly getting input on one and populates the other automaticaly, and have to run the final version in Desktop just to get the true FULL SCREEN look like a dashboard look, (so 3 files always communicating) so that's one case where the Desktop has to be run constantly for aesthetic's.

Thanks Hendrix-C for the ear and solid help.
Hendrix-C 20,020 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-04-10T17:19:56.2266667+00:00

You are welcome @BrainStain00

It's glad that my sharing can help with your concerns.

If you have any concerns or questions in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out again. Not only will I be happy to assist you, but all moderators in the Q&A forum will also do their best to provide support and guidance.

Wishing you a wonderful day ahead.

Answer 1

For an issue with missing commands and automation features in Excel for the web that is stored in OneDrive/SharePoint, the correct product area to target is Excel Online (Excel for the web) within Microsoft 365. Practically, that means using the Excel-focused support and community channels rather than generic SharePoint or OneDrive support.

To get help and escalate effectively:

Use the Excel Tech Community
- Post the problem (missing Automate tab, scripts not running, cursor changing to move/resize cursor over buttons) in the Excel Tech Community so Excel for the web experts and Microsoft engineers can respond.
- This is the best place for product-specific behavior, UI changes, or regressions in Excel Online.
Use the Excel Forum on Answers
- Ask in the Excel Forum on Answers, selecting Excel/Excel for the web and describing that the workbook is stored in OneDrive/SharePoint and that other users still see the Automate tab.
- Support Agents and MVPs can help determine whether this is an account, browser, or tenant-level change.
Use in-product feedback to reach the product team
- From Excel for the web, use the built-in feedback option (Help → Feedback or similar) to report that the Automate tab disappeared and scripts cannot be triggered from buttons.
- This routes directly to the Microsoft 365/Excel product team as a feature/bug report.
When posting/asking, include these details
- That the file is an Excel Online workbook used by ~20 users, stored in OneDrive/SharePoint.
- That the Automate tab is missing only for one user, while others can still run scripts.
- Whether the issue reproduces in different browsers or in a private/incognito window.
- Whether the account has any different license or role compared to others.

These channels are specifically recommended for Excel and Office issues and are the right place to get help for Excel Online automation problems.

References: