Excel Shortcuts Stopped Working After a macOS Update? Here Is What to Check
Quick answer: After a macOS update, Excel shortcuts usually stop working for one of four reasons: the function key setting was reset, a system shortcut now uses the same keys, permissions for a keyboard tool were cleared, or Office needs an update. Check System Settings ▸ Keyboard first, then re-grant permissions, then update Office.
macOS updates can change keyboard settings and system shortcuts without telling you. Excel did not break; something between your keyboard and Excel changed.
What to check, in order
| Step | Where | What you are checking |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | System Settings ▸ Keyboard ▸ Keyboard Shortcuts ▸ Function Keys | Standard function keys setting |
| 2 | System Settings ▸ Keyboard ▸ Keyboard Shortcuts | Conflicting system shortcuts |
| 3 | System Settings ▸ Privacy & Security | Accessibility and Input Monitoring for keyboard tools |
| 4 | Excel ▸ Help ▸ Check for Updates | Office build is current |
| 5 | Menu bar and Activity Monitor | Remapping tools interfering |
| 6 | Apple menu ▸ Restart | Stuck keyboard state |
1. Function key setting
Open System Settings ▸ Keyboard ▸ Keyboard Shortcuts ▸ Function Keys and confirm whether standard function keys are on. If shortcuts such as F2 or F4 stopped working, this is the first thing to check. See Function Keys in Excel for Mac: The Fn Setting and the F-Key Shortcuts That Matter.
2. System shortcut conflicts
Open System Settings ▸ Keyboard ▸ Keyboard Shortcuts and look through the categories for the keys you use in Excel. Microsoft notes that some Excel shortcuts conflict with default macOS shortcuts, and that you can clear the conflicting checkbox. Ctrl+Space is a common one.
3. Permissions for keyboard tools
A tool that remaps or adds shortcuts needs Accessibility and Input Monitoring permission. After an update, these can need to be granted again. In System Settings ▸ Privacy & Security, check that the tool is listed and switched on, then restart it. If you use the Mac Excel Shortcuts app, these are the two permissions it needs.
4. Update Office
In Excel choose Help ▸ Check for Updates and install what Microsoft AutoUpdate offers. An older Office build can behave differently on a newer macOS.
5. Update or quit remapping tools
Keyboard utilities may need their own update after a macOS release. Quit them, test Excel, and update them if shortcuts return.
6. Restart
Restart the Mac. Then open Excel and test one shortcut at a time.
Prevention
Note your keyboard settings once, so you can re-apply them quickly.
Wait a few days before installing a major macOS release if Excel is critical to your work.
Keep Office and keyboard tools updated.
FAQs
Why did Excel shortcuts stop working after updating my Mac?
A setting, a system shortcut or a permission changed. Work through the table above.
Do I need to reinstall Excel?
Usually not. Updating Office and resetting keyboard settings fixes most cases.
Which shortcuts break most often?
Function-key shortcuts and Control-based shortcuts, because macOS uses those keys itself.