Pin Workbook in Excel 2016

If you often open the same Excel files again and again, there’s a simple trick to save time — pinning your workbook. This feature keeps your favorite or frequently used files always visible at the top of your Recent Workbooks list. So, you don’t have to browse or search every time. Let’s see how it’s done in Excel 2016, step by step.

What Does “Pin Workbook” Mean?

Pinning a workbook means keeping it fixed in your “Recent Workbooks” list. Even if you open other files later, the pinned one will stay on top for quick access. It’s perfect for files you use daily, like reports, budgets, or attendance sheets.

Steps to Pin a Workbook in Excel 2016

Here’s how you can pin your important workbooks easily:

  • Step 1: Click on the File tab in the top-left corner of the Excel window.
  • Step 2: From the left-hand side menu, click Open. You will now see your list of Recent Workbooks.
  • Step 3: Find the workbook you want to keep pinned.
  • Step 4: Move your mouse pointer over the file name. A small pushpin icon will appear on the right side.
  • Step 5: Click the pushpin icon. Once clicked, it will change to a solid pushpin, meaning your file is now pinned.
Tip: You can pin multiple files if you regularly work on more than one workbook. Each pinned file stays on top of your recent list for faster access.

How to Unpin a Workbook

If you no longer need a workbook pinned, unpinning it is just as easy:

  • Go back to the File tab and click Open.
  • Hover over the pinned file in the list.
  • Click the solid pushpin icon again. It will return to the hollow state, meaning the file is unpinned.

That’s it! The workbook will now move down the list as per your recent activity.

Why Pinning Workbooks Is Useful

Pinning your files is more than just a convenience. It helps you stay organized and saves time, especially if you manage multiple reports or spreadsheets every day. Here’s why you’ll love this feature:

  • You can quickly access your most-used workbooks.
  • Reduces the need to browse through folders again and again.
  • Keeps your workflow smooth and organized.
  • Ideal for professionals who handle repeated monthly or weekly files.
Example: If you update a monthly sales report, pin it once and open it instantly next month without searching your folders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting to save your workbook before pinning — always save changes first.
  • Pinning too many files — it can clutter your recent list.
  • Not unpinning old files — remove files you no longer use to keep things clean.

5 FAQs on Pinning a Workbook in Excel 2016

1. Can I pin multiple workbooks at once?

Yes, you can pin as many files as you like. Each pinned workbook will appear at the top of your recent list for quick access.

2. Will my pinned files stay if I close Excel?

Absolutely. Pinned files stay saved until you unpin them manually, even if you close and reopen Excel.

3. Can I pin a workbook from a shared drive?

Yes, Excel allows you to pin files from shared locations or OneDrive, as long as you have access to them.

4. What happens if I move the file location?

If the workbook is moved or deleted, the pinned shortcut will not open. You’ll need to re-pin it from the new location.

5. Does this feature work in newer Excel versions?

Yes, the same steps work in Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, and Microsoft 365.

Conclusion

Pinning a workbook in Excel 2016 is a small but powerful feature that can make your daily work smoother. It saves you time, reduces searching, and keeps your important files always ready. If you frequently work with the same spreadsheets, start pinning them today — and enjoy a more organized Excel experience!

You May Also Like

Loading...