How to Unhide Columns in Excel (2007 to later): Step-by-Step Guide
Hidden columns make a sheet look clean, but they also hide data you may need. Here’s a clear, practical guide to reveal all hidden columns, just a few, or the first column (A)—plus ways to find hidden columns and stop others from unhiding them.
Quick Basics (What you need to know)
- You can unhide columns using the right-click menu, the Home › Format menu, or keyboard shortcuts.
- To unhide a hidden column, you usually select the columns around it (the one on the left and the one on the right), then unhide.
- Column A is a special case because there’s nothing to its left to click. Use Go To A1, the Name Box, or drag from B.
Unhide All Columns at Once
Best when many columns are hidden in different places.
Method 1: Right-click
- Select the entire sheet:
- Click the tiny triangle at the top-left corner of the grid (above row 1, left of column A), or
- Press Ctrl + A (press twice if needed).
- Right-click anywhere in the column headers.
- Click Unhide.
Method 2: Ribbon menu
- Select the entire sheet (as above).
- Go to Home › Format › Hide & Unhide › Unhide Columns.
Keyboard (Windows)
- Press Alt → H → O → U → L (one key at a time) to unhide columns.
Tip: If some columns still don’t show, they might be set to width = 0. After unhiding, select those columns and set a width: Home › Format › Column Width… (try 8–10).
Unhide Specific Hidden Columns (One or a range)
Best when you only want certain columns back.
Method 1: Right-click
- Select the columns around the hidden area.
Example: If B is hidden, select A and C. - Right-click the selection and choose Unhide.
Method 2: Ribbon menu
- Select the columns surrounding the hidden ones.
- Go to Home › Format › Hide & Unhide › Unhide Columns.
Keyboard
- Windows: Alt → H → O → U → L
- Windows (alternate): Ctrl + Shift + 0 (note: in some environments this may be disabled by system settings)
- Mac: Command + Shift + 0 (macOS may block this—if it doesn’t work, use the menu route above)
Special Case: Unhide Column A
Three easy ways:
A) Go To A1
- Press F5 (or Home › Find & Select › Go To…).
- Type A1 and press Enter.
- Go to Home › Format › Hide & Unhide › Unhide Columns.
B) Name Box
- Click the Name Box (left of the formula bar).
- Type A1 and press Enter.
- Use Home › Format › Hide & Unhide › Unhide Columns.
C) Drag from Column B
- Click the header for B to select it.
- Move your pointer to the left edge of the B header until it becomes a double-sided arrow.
- Drag left to reveal A.
Find Where Columns Are Hidden
When you suspect hidden columns but can’t spot them:
Method 1: Go To Special (works on Windows & Mac)
- Go to Home › Find & Select › Go To Special…
- Choose Visible cells only and click OK.
Excel highlights visible areas; borders where columns are hidden become easier to see.
Method 2: Document Inspector (Windows)
- File › Info › Check for Issues › Inspect Document.
- Ensure Hidden Rows and Columns is checked, then Inspect.
You’ll see a summary of hidden rows/columns across the workbook, and you can Remove All if you want.
Unhide with a Quick Macro (for repeat tasks)
If you often receive files with hidden columns, a tiny macro can unhide everything in one click.
Sub UnhideAllColumns()
Cells.EntireColumn.Hidden = False
End Sub
How to use: Press Alt + F11 → Insert › Module → paste the code → Alt + Q to close. Run it from Developer › Macros (or assign it to a button).
Prevent Others from Unhiding Your Columns
Useful for sheets with formulas or sensitive data.
This relies on sheet protection; “Locked” only matters after protection is turned on.
- Unlock everything first:
- Select all (tiny triangle or Ctrl + A twice).
- Press Ctrl + 1 (Format Cells) → Protection tab → clear Locked → OK.
- Lock only the columns you plan to hide:
- Select those columns → Ctrl + 1 → Protection tab → check Locked → OK.
- Hide the columns (right-click header → Hide).
- Protect the sheet:
- Review › Protect Sheet → allow Select unlocked cells only (leave Select locked cells unchecked) → add a password if needed → OK.
Now the Unhide option is disabled for other users.
Note: This isn’t foolproof—someone could reference hidden cells with a formula (e.g., =A1). For real security, remove or move sensitive data.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Unhide didn’t work? Check if the column width is set to 0. Set a normal width via Home › Format › Column Width….
- Shortcut doesn’t respond? Use the ribbon menu path. Some system settings block shortcuts like Ctrl/Command + Shift + 0.
- Grouped columns vs. hidden columns: If you see outline buttons (1, 2, +/–) above the headers, those are groups. Use the + / – or Data › Outline to expand/collapse instead of Unhide.
- Protected sheet/workbook: If protection is on, unhide may be disabled. Go to Review to Unprotect (password may be required).
Quick Reference (Windows)
- Unhide all columns: Select all → Alt → H → O → U → L
- Unhide specific columns: Select surrounding columns → Alt → H → O → U → L
- Go To A1: F5 → type A1 → Enter → Home › Format › Unhide Columns
- Set column width: Home › Format › Column Width…
Quick Reference (Mac)
- Menus first (most reliable): Home › Format › Hide & Unhide › Unhide Columns
- Column A: Use Name Box or Go To (type A1) → then Unhide Columns
- Shortcut (if allowed by macOS): Command + Shift + 0
