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Microsoft Excel Cannot Paste The Data: 3 Ways to Enable it

Unlocking the worksheet can fix this problem

2 min. read

Published onJuly 23, 2024

published onJuly 23, 2024

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If you cannot paste the data in Microsoft Excel, you won’t be able to use the software properly, and this can be a major problem. However, the solution is simpler than you think, and today we’ll show you how to do it.

Why won’t Excel let me paste data?

This can occur due to multiple Excel instances, or if you’re using protected sheets. Certain settings in Macro Editing mode can also cause this issue.

What can I do if the Paste option is not working in Excel?

What can I do if the Paste option is not working in Excel?

Before we try anything else, make sure that you have only one instance of Excel open. You can also go to the For Objects option, select Show All, and check if that helps.

1. Unprotect the worksheet

You can achieve the same results by going to theReviewtab, selectingChangesand then usingUnprotect Sheet.

For more information, our guide onThis workbook was opened in read-only modeerror might be of service to you.

2. Use developer Macro Editing mode

This is an advanced solution, so it requires some familiarity with macro scripting to complete it.

If Microsoft Excel still cannot paste the data, perhaps it would be best toreset Excel to defaultand check if that helps.

Copy-paste problems can affect other applications, and sometimescopy and paste isn’t working in Windows 11at all, but we have a guide that addresses that.

More about the topics:Microsoft Excel

Milan Stanojevic

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.

Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.

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Milan Stanojevic

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.