Since its launch in 1985, Microsoft Excel—part of Microsoft Excel by Microsoft—has become a staple for office professionals around the globe. This versatile spreadsheet application is widely used by project managers, administrative assistants, accountants, analysts, and finance experts who work with data daily.
While Excel is widely adopted, many users are not fully aware of time-saving features that can improve efficiency and accuracy. To help you work smarter, here’s a practical list of essential Excel tips and shortcuts for Windows users.
How to Remove Duplicates in Excel
Large datasets often contain duplicate entries, such as repeated email addresses or customer records. Removing duplicates helps improve data accuracy and makes spreadsheets easier to analyze.
Highlight Duplicate Values
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Select the desired cells (use Shift + Click to select a range or Ctrl + Click for multiple selections).
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Go to Home > Conditional Formatting > Highlight Cells Rules > Duplicate Values.
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Choose your preferred formatting style.
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Click OK.
Remove Duplicate Values Permanently
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Select the cell range containing the data.
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Go to Data > Remove Duplicates.
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Select the columns you want to check for duplicates.
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Click OK.
How to Filter Data in Excel
Filtering helps you focus only on relevant information within large datasets.
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Select the data range.
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Click Data > Filter.
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Click the drop-down arrow in the column header.
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Choose filtering criteria (e.g., values greater than a number, text contains specific words, alphabetical or numerical sorting).
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Click OK.
How to Lock Cells in Excel
Locking cells protects important data from accidental edits.
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Select the cells you want to lock.
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Right-click and choose Format Cells.
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Open the Protection tab.
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Check Locked, then click OK.
Note: Cells are locked by default, but the feature only works after protecting the worksheet.
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Go to Review > Protect Sheet (or Protect Workbook).
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Set a password (optional but recommended).
How to Merge and Unmerge Cells
Merging cells can improve formatting and readability in headers.
Merge Cells
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Select the cells you want to merge.
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Click Home > Merge & Center.
Important: Only the content in the upper-left cell will remain. Other content will be removed.
Unmerge Cells
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Click the drop-down arrow next to Merge & Center.
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Select Unmerge Cells.
How to Split Cells (Text to Columns)
Splitting cells helps organize data such as separating first and last names.
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Select the cells.
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Go to Data > Text to Columns.
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Choose Delimited (for comma-separated data) or Fixed Width.
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Click Next.
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Select the appropriate delimiter (comma, space, etc.).
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Choose a destination and data format.
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Click Finish.
Tip: Consider backing up your data before splitting cells.
How to Enable Macros in Excel
Macros automate repetitive tasks and can significantly increase productivity.
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Go to File > Options > Trust Center.
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Click Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings.
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Choose your preferred security level.
Security Tip: Only enable macros from trusted sources. Malicious macros can compromise your system.
How to Create a Drop-Down List
Drop-down lists improve data accuracy and consistency.
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Select the target cell(s).
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Go to Data > Data Validation.
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In the Allow box, choose List.
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Enter your source values (comma-separated or select a cell range).
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Click OK.
How to Freeze Rows and Columns
Freezing panes keeps headers visible while scrolling.
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Click the row below or column to the right of what you want frozen.
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Go to View > Freeze Panes.
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Choose Freeze Panes, Freeze Top Row, or Freeze First Column.
This feature is especially useful when working with large spreadsheets containing extensive data.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Microsoft Excel is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft. Features and interface options may vary depending on your Excel version and system updates. Always verify settings and security configurations before enabling advanced features such as macros.