Microsoft 365 Insiders can preview Check Performance in the Excel Windows app

The first opportunity to test a new feature in the Windows version of Excel, which was previously introduced to the web edition in September 2022, is being offered to members of the Microsoft 365 Insider program by Microsoft.

According to Microsoft’s post on the Microsoft 365 Insider blog, the company states:

Over time, large worksheets can collect unnecessary formatting and metadata, which can reduce performance. This may happen when data is deleted but the underlying formatting is not. Excel can now automatically detect performance issues and suggest ways to address them. You can also manually run the Check Performance command at any time to identify and address performance issues.

The latest update to the Excel Windows app includes a feature that automatically scans for cells with unnecessary formatting when a workbook is opened. If any flawed cells are found, a notification labeled “Slow Workbook?“will appear at the beginning. Additionally, a “Check Performance“button will be presented in the notification, allowing you to easily access the feature.

If you wish to use the feature without receiving a notification, you can access it by clicking on the Review option in the top menu ribbon, followed by selecting the “Check Performance“button.

To troubleshoot any potential issues, you can access the Workbook Performance pane within the app and examine any cells causing problems using two methods:

To view the cells causing performance issues, go to each worksheet, and then select the Optimize sheet button.

To remove the cells that are causing performance issues from all worksheets in the workbook, select the Optimize all button.

Microsoft acknowledges that this performance optimization feature may cause alterations in the visual appearance of the workbook. In such cases, manual adjustments to the visual elements may be necessary.

If you are enrolled in the Microsoft 365 Insider program, you have access to the latest version of Excel for Windows on the Beta Channel, starting from Version 2312 (Build 17126.20004) or a later version.