Excel O365 Group expanding query

Hi,

I have a spreadsheet that has several grouping created for rows. When all the groups are collapsed, if a column Auto filter option is used to filter a criteria, then all is selected, all the Row Groups are expanded.
Is there a way to prevent the groups expanding automatically?

Also, is there a way to stop groups being expanded manually when the sheet is protected?

Thank you.
Chris

OK, closing this post as no solutions offered.
Thank you anyway.