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Sharepoint issue to the button on Excel file

Scott Huang 3,511 Reputation points
2026-04-10T02:44:52.5733333+00:00

Hi,

Within Sharepoint, I granted "EDIT" right on both the folder and the Excel file, to the user like

User's image

but the user is having issue to not be able to show the buttons well like

User's image

is this a permission/right issue?

Microsoft 365 and Office | SharePoint Server | Development
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Answer accepted by question author

Teddie-D 16,370 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-04-10T04:21:17.0566667+00:00

Hi @Scott Huang

This isn’t a permissions issue. The behavior occurs because Excel for the web doesn’t support certain features such as VBA macros and ActiveX/Form Control buttons.

When opening the workbook in the browser, the file can still be viewed, but interactive controls won’t function due to these unsupported features, as shown in the screenshot.
User's image

To use these buttons, the workbook needs to be opened in the Excel desktop app (Open in App) rather than edited in the browser.
Since you mentioned the file works fine for you, could you confirm whether you’re opening it in the browser or in the desktop app? 

Please know that while our initial response might not resolve the issue right away, your input is incredibly valuable. With a bit more detail, we’ll work together to find the best solution for you.     

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  1. AI answer

    2026-04-10T02:45:09.95+00:00

    This behavior is not caused by SharePoint permissions.

    In SharePoint and OneDrive, ribbon buttons and other commands can appear disabled or behave differently for reasons other than permission level:

    1. Many buttons only become active after a relevant item is selected in the library or list. If no item (or too many items) is selected, commands like Edit, View properties, Check out, etc., are unavailable even when the user has Edit rights.
    2. Some features must be enabled or fully configured by an administrator before the buttons work (for example, integration features such as Connect to Outlook/Office or other advanced commands). Until the feature is set up, the buttons can appear but remain disabled.
    3. Certain buttons are available only in specific views or modes (for example, Quick Edit requires a compatible view and sometimes the default view style).

    Since the user already has Can edit permission on the file and folder, the issue is more likely related to how the file is being accessed (web vs. desktop), the current selection/view, or a feature that is not fully configured, rather than a rights problem.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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