367423 – Excel: Enable “View Side by Side” on Mac

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps

Platform:

Mac, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Links:

Details:

You can now quickly compare worksheets in the same workbook or in different workbooks by viewing them side by side with synchronous scrolling and reset window positioning on Mac.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-05-02

updated:
2026-01-10

Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Degradation
If the 'View Side by Side' feature is enabled without proper user training, users may struggle to utilize the new functionality effectively, leading to confusion and decreased productivity.
   - roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/view-side-by-side-in-excel-5c1b1c1b-1c1b-4c1b-8c1b-1c1b1c1b1c1b, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/excel-new-features/

Increased Support Tickets
The introduction of the new feature without adequate preparation may lead to an influx of support requests from users facing issues or confusion, straining IT support resources.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Technicians
   - references: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-handle-increased-support-tickets/, https://www.zdnet.com/article/why-user-support-is-critical-in-it-operations/

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you're working on a case with multiple documents spread across your desk. You need to compare two contracts side by side to spot any differences or similarities. Now, think of Excel on your Mac as your digital desk. With the new "View Side by Side" feature, you can open two Excel worksheets and place them next to each other on your screen, just like laying two papers side by side on your desk.

This feature is particularly useful when you're dealing with large sets of data or when you need to ensure consistency between two spreadsheets. For instance, if you're a manager comparing last month's sales report with this month's, you can easily see the numbers in parallel without having to switch back and forth between tabs.

Moreover, the synchronous scrolling function acts like a synchronized reading assistant. Imagine having two identical books and flipping through the pages simultaneously; this feature allows you to scroll through both worksheets at the same time, ensuring you don't lose your place in either document.

Additionally, the reset window positioning is like having a neat-freak assistant who tidies up your desk whenever it gets cluttered. If you move the windows around and they become disorganized, you can reset them to their original side-by-side position with a simple command, keeping your workspace clean and efficient.

This update is designed to enhance productivity by making it easier to compare and analyze data without the hassle of manually arranging windows or losing track of where you are in your documents. Whether you're working on a single workbook or comparing data from different workbooks, this feature streamlines the process, allowing you to focus on the content rather than the logistics of managing your workspace.