Excel 2013 can hide the horizontal and vertical scroll bars for an individual workbook. This can create a cleaner worksheet view, but it also removes a familiar way to navigate large sheets. Keyboard, mouse-wheel, touchpad, and Name Box navigation still remain available.
Hide scroll bars in Excel 2013
- Open the workbook in Excel 2013.
- Select File > Options.
- Choose Advanced.
- Scroll to Display options for this workbook.
- Clear Show horizontal scroll bar and/or Show vertical scroll bar.
- Select OK.
Make sure you are changing the intended workbook
The Display options section includes a workbook selector. If several workbooks are open, confirm that the correct file is selected before changing its scroll-bar settings.
Restore the bars the same way
Return to Excel Options > Advanced and select the corresponding Show horizontal scroll bar or Show vertical scroll bar checkboxes. No worksheet data is lost when the bars are hidden.
A missing bar can have other causes
Window size, split panes, frozen panes, worksheet protection, and interface layout can sometimes make navigation controls look unusual. Verify the workbook option before assuming Excel is damaged.
Consider other users
If you share the workbook, hiding navigation controls can confuse someone who expects normal scrolling. Use the setting only when it improves a deliberate dashboard, kiosk, or presentation-style layout.
Office 2013 reached end of support in April 2023. Excel 2013 still supports these display settings, but a currently supported Microsoft 365 or Office release is preferable for security and modern file compatibility.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.