Excel worksheets float in window using MacBook Pro

Lorri Roberts 0 Reputation points
2026-09-08T17:33:16.0833333+00:00

I use a MacBook Pro 2020, I have a license for Microsoft 365 subscription and Copilot for Microsoft 365.

Excel ver. 16.112 (26081010.

My issue is the worksheets float in the desktop window. When I move my mouse, the worksheet moves around also. I've tried a few "fixes" like using Excel full screen and ctrl cmmd f, but nothing stops the sheet from moving around. Is there any way to fix this.

Thanks!

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | MacOS
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  1. Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 437.7K Reputation points
    2026-09-09T14:07:27.9066667+00:00

    Update the Office software. Version 16.112.3 is the current build.

    Also confirm that your installation of macOS is fully updated – mouse & trackpad function is owned by the OS.

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  2. Ian-T 10,695 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-08T23:40:10.8633333+00:00

    Hi @Lorri Roberts

    This sounds like either the trackpad is continuously scrolling the sheet, or Excel has developed a display problem. Full-screen mode would not normally stop either behavior.

    Please try these checks:

    1. Open a new blank workbook and see whether it moves in the same way. This will tell us whether the issue affects Excel generally or only one workbook.
    2. Temporarily turn off System Settings > Trackpad > Scroll & Zoom > Natural scrolling, then test Excel again.
    3. If Draw with Trackpad is enabled on Excel’s Draw tab, turn it off. That mode allows the trackpad to control an on-screen drawing area.
    4. Quit Excel completely, restart the Mac, and then open Excel without reopening the previous workbook.
    5. In Excel, select Help > Check for Updates and install any available update. The reported build is dated August 10, 2026, and subsequent Office for Mac updates have been released.

    Excel does support smooth, pixel-by-pixel scrolling with a trackpad, but the worksheet should respond to a scrolling gesture, not simply follow ordinary pointer movement.

    If it still happens, could you clarify whether the cells within the Excel window are scrolling, or whether the entire Excel window itself follows the pointer? A short screen recording would also help identify the behavior.

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