Answer

Select the sheet and use a keyboard method or ribbon sequence to unhide all columns.

1. Press Ctrl + A once to select the current region; press Ctrl + A a second time to select the entire worksheet.

2. Press Alt → H → O → U → L (press keys in sequence) to run Home → Format → Hide & Unhide → Unhide Columns. 

Notes about the single-keystroke shortcut on Windows: Ctrl + Shift + 0 is documented as an unhide shortcut, but that keystroke can be disabled by Windows language/input settings on many systems. Use the ribbon sequence above when Ctrl + Shift + 0 does not work. 

What is the Windows quick shortcut I can try immediately?

Try Ctrl + Shift + 0 to unhide selected hidden columns. Use the ribbon sequence when that keystroke does not respond on your machine. 

What is Mac quick shortcut that I can try?

Try Command + Shift + 0 to unhide selected hidden columns on macOS. If that does not work, select the entire sheet (Command + A) and use Home → Format → Hide & Unhide → Unhide Columns from the ribbon menus. 

Can I unhide columns using the mouse?

Yes.

1. Select the column headers on both sides of the hidden columns (for all columns, select all headers with Ctrl + A / Command + A).

2. Right-click any selected column header.

3. Choose Unhide from the context menu.

Are there shortcuts that unhide both rows and columns?

Yes.

1. Ctrl + Shift + 9 unhides selected rows on Windows.

2. Ctrl + Shift + 0 attempts to unhide selected columns on Windows.

3. Use the ribbon sequence Alt → H → O → U → R for rows and Alt → H → O → U → L for columns as reliable alternatives. (Microsoft Support)

Why does Ctrl + Shift + 0 not work on my Windows PC?

Windows may reserve or block Ctrl + Shift + 0 because of system input language/keyboard settings. Change the advanced keyboard input settings or use the ribbon sequence to avoid altering system settings. 

How to unhide the first column (Column A) when it is hidden

Select the whole sheet (Ctrl + A on Windows, Command + A on Mac) and use Home → Format → Hide & Unhide → Unhide Columns. Selecting the entire sheet guarantees the hidden first column is included in the selection. 

Quick summary of reliable methods (numbered)

1. Select entire worksheet: Ctrl + A (Windows) or Command + A (Mac).

2. Ribbon sequence: press Alt, then H, then O, then U, then L (Windows) to unhide all columns. 

3. Try Ctrl + Shift + 0 (Windows) or Command + Shift + 0 (Mac); use ribbon sequence if the keystroke fails.

4. Right-click selected column headers and choose Unhide. 

Troubleshooting steps (numbered)

1. Confirm you have selected the columns that include the hidden ones or select the whole sheet.

2. Use the ribbon sequence when keystrokes do not respond.

3. On Windows, check the advanced keyboard/input language options to re-enable Ctrl + Shift + 0 if you want that keystroke restored. 

Where do these instructions come from

The guidance above follows official keyboard shortcut documentation and reputable Excel help resources. The Microsoft support page describes hide/unhide shortcut behavior; specialist Excel help sites document the ribbon sequence and common workarounds when system settings block Ctrl + Shift + 0. 

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