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

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?

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

1. Open the worksheet that is giving you trouble.
2. Next, choose  File and then Info.
    
3. Select Protect and then Unprotect Sheet.
   
4. If asked, enter the sheet password.

You can achieve the same results by going to the Review tab, selecting Changes and then using Unprotect Sheet.

For more information, our guide on This workbook was opened in read-only mode error might be of service to you.

2. Use developer Macro Editing mode

1. Press Alt + F11 to open developer Macro Editing mode.
2. Select ThisWorkbook.
3. Locate DisplayDrawingObjects = if "3 - xlHide" and change it to "xlDisplayShapes --4104"

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

3. Disable cross-device copy and paste in Phone Link

1. Open Phone Link.
2. Click the Gear icon to open settings.
   
3. Next, choose Features and disable Cross-device copy and paste.
   

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

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