Can not copy and paste in excel

Cause: The information that you are trying to paste does not match the cell format (Date, Currency, Text, or other format) for the cells in the column.

Solution:    If you’re trying to paste a large amount of information, make sure that the cell format for the cells in the column matches the format of the information that you want to paste, and then paste the information one column at a time.

Change the cell format for a column

1. Click the column heading (A, B, C, and so on) for the column that you want to change.

2. On the Home tab, click the Number Format menu.

3. Click the cell format that matches the information that you are trying to paste into the column.

Cause: There are not enough columns to accept the information that you’re trying to paste.

Solution:    Insert more columns, and then try pasting again.

Insert additional columns

1. Click the column heading (A, B, C, and so on) for the column to the right of where you want to add a column.

2. On the Home tab, click Insert.

   The column that you originally selected shifts to the right and the new column appears.

3. Repeat step 2 until you have inserted the number of columns that you want.

Cause: The Copy area and the Paste area are not the same size and shape.

Solution:    Select the upper-left cell instead of the whole range before you paste.

1. Click the cell where you want the upper-left cell of the copied data to appear.

2. On the Home tab, click Paste.

   

Solution:    Select a range of cells for the Paste area that’s the same size and shape as the copied data.

1. Select a range of cells that is the exact number of rows and columns as the information that you want to paste.

2. On the Home tab, click Paste.

   

Struggling to copy and paste data from one cell to another, or from one PC to another PC? Every time you attempt for it, you are getting the same popup message Microsoft Excel cannot paste the data error?

To fix Excel cannot paste the data error you can use XLSX sheets instead of XLS. As Xls offers a very limited number of rows and maybe because of this you are not able to paste any data. The second thing you can do is, just check whether your sheet data contain any merged cells. As you can’t paste data from a merged cell range into a non-merged cell range.

Likewise, there are many more solutions available to resolve Excel not pasting data correctly issue. So without wasting any more time go through this post to know why can’t you copy and paste in Excel and ways to fix Excel cannot copy paste data error.

Why I am Getting Microsoft Excel Cannot Paste The Data Error?

• Microsoft Excel cannot paste the data error comes when the data is copied from a merged cell range and get pasted into the non-merged cells.
• Secondly, if you are not familiar with the practice of multiple copy-pasting data. In that case, you can start getting the Microsoft Excel cannot paste data error.

Following are some best fixes to resolve Excel cannot paste the data error. Let’s take a quick glance over all the applicable fixes:

1: Restart the Excel File

2: Check the Merge Cell

3: Disable Macro Express Application

4: Restart the PC in Clean Boot State

5: Make Use Of The Automatic Repair Utility

6: Use Paste Special Option

7: Ignore DDE

8: Start Excel In Safe Mode

9: Use XLSX Sheets Instead of XLS

Solution 1: Restart The Excel File

In many cases simply restarting the Excel file solves Excel copy paste not working error.

So before trying the below-given solution save the Excel workbook > close Excel and the Open the Excel file.

Now check if you are able to copy and paste data without error.

Solution 2: Check the Merge Cell

Very firstly, check does your data have merged cells? As the main reason behind this Excel not pasting data correctly issue is because you can’t paste data from a merged cell range into a non-merged cell range.

So, to resolve Excel not pasting data properly issue, choose the data > click on Merge and Center to toggle it off > try the copy the data again.

Or selecting the data > choose to unmerge cells > and then copy > now you are able to paste data into other cells.

Solution 3: Disable Macro Express Application

Well, this is a working solution that helps the users to resolve Excel Cannot Paste the Data error.

Macro Express is a Windows-based application, this permits the users to record, edit, and playback mouse and keyboard macros. Running the Macros Express program in the background generates Excel copy paste not working properly like issues.

So simply check for the background running programs in your Windows OS and disable the Macro Express.

Doing this will help you to troubleshoot cannot paste error in Excel.

Solution 4: Restart The PC In Clean Boot State

If none of the above-given solutions helps you to fix Excel cannot paste the data error, then this means your Excel file is dealing with any kind of corruption.

So here it is recommended to try restarting the system in the clean-boot state and check whether the error is fixed or not.

Follow the complete steps to clean boot your Windows PC: How to perform a clean boot in Windows.

Solution 5: Make Use Of The Automatic Repair Utility

If you are dealing with this Excel copy paste not working issue due to corruption of the Excel file then to get out of this issue use the professional recommended MS Excel Repair Tool. This utility tool is quite efficient to repair corrupt, damaged as well as errors in Excel files. 

This tool allows to easily restore all corrupt Excel files including the charts, worksheet properties cell comments, and other important data. With the help of this, you can fix all sorts of issues, corruption, errors in Excel workbooks.

* Free version of the product only previews recoverable data.

This is a unique tool to repair multiple Excel files at one repair cycle and recovers the entire data in a preferred location. It is easy to use and compatible with both Windows as well as Mac operating systems. This supports the entire Excel version and the demo version is free.

Steps to Utilize MS Excel Repair Tool:

Solution 6: Use Paste Special Option

If you are attempting to paste some type of special graphics from your one excel sheet to another, then it’s not possible with the “Paste” option.

For such type of task, Microsoft gives the option of “Paste Special” which is quite helpful in special cases of pasting.

So let’s know-how “Paste Special” is used in Excel.

1: At first, from your excel sheet copy the data which you want to paste somewhere else.

2: After that open your Excel sheet in which you want to paste it.

3: Now make a right-click over any cell and choose the “Paste Special” option.

4: Choose dedicated settings for pasting your data successfully.

Solution 7: Ignore DDE

Another solution that you can try to fix Excel copy paste not working issue is by ignoring DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange). So let’s know how it is to be done:

• In your Excel window, tap to the Files > Options.
• From the opened Excel option dialog box, hit the “Advanced” tab present on the right side of the pane.
• Uncheck the “Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)”.

Solution 8: Start Excel In Safe Mode

In most of the case, add-ins are also equally responsible for this Excel copy paste not working properly issue.

If the damaged add-in is restricting you from pasting data in an Excel sheet then simply start your excel in safe mode. As in the safe mode, additional add-ins won’t get loaded and you will be able to paste the data without any issue.

Follow the below-given steps to run Excel in safe mode:

• Press the Windows + R button to open the run dialogue box.
• In the Run window, type excel.exe/safe and press the Enter key. This will open up the Microsoft Excel program into the Safe Mode.
• Now try to paste data on some different Excel sheets and check whether you are receiving the Excel cannot paste data error or not.

Solution 9: Use XLSX Sheets Instead of XLS

If you need to copy a huge amount of data, then switch your XLS sheet to XLSX because XLS sheets have a limit of 65,000 rows. So this can also be the reason because of which you can’t paste in Excel.

In that case, it’s obvious to encounter Excel cannot paste data error when you try to paste data with a huge row count.

Whereas, on the other hand, you can add around 1 million rows to your XLSX sheet. So if you need to paste more than 65,000 rows then immediately create an XLSX sheet and paste your data without facing any error.

Conclusion:

Well, I have done my job now it’s your turn to follow the given fixes and check which solution works for you to fix Microsoft Excel cannot paste the data error.

Facing these types of errors is common in Excel, but the good news is that it can be fixed by following certain fixes.

Additionally, Excel is an essential application and used in daily life, so it is recommended to handle the Excel file properly and follow the best preventive steps to protect your Excel files from getting corrupted.

Despite it, always create backup of Active workbooks in Excel and as well scan your system with a good antivirus program for virus and malware infection.

If, in case you have any additional questions concerning the ones presented, do tell us in the comments section below or you can follow us on Repair MS Excel Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Good Luck….

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Microsoft Excel is a handy tool to organize all of your data and analytics. The cells are manageable in their column and row number, and you can modify them according to your style and preference. You might experience problems while pasting some numbers or data on a Microsoft Excel cell or datasheet. Microsoft Excel cannot paste the data is a common error faced by Excel users. You can’t copy and paste in Excel when this appears. The problem occurs when you try to copy data from one Excel sheet to another in Windows 10 or Mac PC. This issue can be irritating and time-wasting. In this guide, we will brief you on the Excel copy paste not working properly and how to fix it with a reliable tool.

Part 1: Why Can’t I Copy and Paste in Excel?

«Excel cannot paste the data» problem happens when you try to copy data from one Excel workbook and paste it onto the next. You can fix an excel document that can’t paste data without hardly lifting a finger if the issue is a little one. For example, you may have a merged cell that may not let your Excel paste the data and cause the problem, or you are inexperienced with the protocol of multiple pasting. After knowing these, you can immediately tackle the concern.

Part 2: Pre Tips to Solve Excel Copy Paste Not Working Properly

If you can’t paste in Excel, you can try the following troubleshooting steps to get going:

• The data you are pasting may not have the same cell format (Date, Text, Time, etc.) in the column, and the «Excel cannot paste data too many cell formats» problem may show up. Therefore you should try changing the cell format for the column.
• There may not be enough columns to store the data that you are pasting. So, you need to add more columns to paste your information.

Part 3: Advanced Solutions to Fix Microsoft Excel Cannot Paste the Data

Solution 1: Restart the Excel File

Before diving into other arrangements, how about you first have a go at something straightforward. Most of the time, restarting the excel sheet will fix the problem, and you will not need to play out any high-level arrangements. Nonetheless, before shutting the Excel application, try to save your data.

Solution 2: Check the Merge Cell

You can’t copy data from merged cells and paste it into an ordinary Excel Sheet. So, before you take a stab at copying the information, unmerge all cells using the following steps:

Step 1: Open the source Excel workbook and select every one of the data that you need to copy.

Step 2: Click the «Home» tab from the menu and go to Merge and Center > Unmerge Cells.

Solution 3: Disable the Macro Express Application

The «Macro Express» app can also lead to the happening of this error. It’s a Windows-based application that enables you to make changes and record mouse macros. Thus, try checking the processes running in the background before copying data from Excel and closing the «Macro Express» application.

Solution 4: Use Paste Special Option

Follow the steps below to solve Microsoft Excel cannot paste the data error by using Paste special option.

Step 1: Open the Excel workbook and copy the required data from there.

Step 2: Now, open the destination sheet and right-click on any cell. Snap the «Paste Special» option and pick a dedicated setting to paste the data you copied effectively.

Solution 5: Ignore DDE

To ignore DDE also contributes to solve the copy and paste error. And here are the steps:

Step 1: Open Excel and from the «Files» menu, go to «Options.»

Step 2: Select the «Advanced» option from the dialog box and uncheck «Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE).»

Step 3: Click «OK» to save your progressions, and you’re good to go.

Solution 6: Restart the PC in Clean Boot State

To restart your PC in Clean Boot State, observe the following procedure:

Step 1: Open the Run box and type «msconfig.»

Step 2: Go to the General > Selective Startup and uncheck Load Startup Items.

Step 3: Hide all Microsoft services from the «Services» tab to disable all pointless startups and from the «Startup» tab, click «Open Task Manager.»

Step 4: Disable all the startup processes in this window and return to the «System Configuration» window to save changes.

Solution 7: Start Excel in Safe Mode

A harmed add-in can limit your Excel sheet from pasting from data. In case that is the situation, you can open Microsoft Excel in Safe Mode. At the point when you dispatch Excel in Safe Mode, no extra add-ins will be loaded, and you’ll have the option to paste data with next to no issue.

To launch Excel in safe Mode, press and hold the “Ctrl” key and then open the Excel Sheet. Now, try pasting data to a different Excel Sheet and see if you’re prompted with the same error or not.

Solution 8: Use XLSX Sheets Instead of XLS

If you’re copying a lot of data, you might need to change to XLSX from the customary XLS sheet. The XLS sheets can only accommodate 65,000 lines. That implies if you copy data with more rows, you’ll experience the «can’t paste in Excel» error. In an XLSX sheet, then again, you can mount to 1 million rows.

Solution 9: Use Microsoft’s Automatic Repair Utility to Clean Excel Sheets

Assuming that you constantly work with Excel workbooks and experience the error more frequently, we suggest installing theXLStylesTool. It’s a tool made by Microsoft that will assist you with fixing corrupt Excel workbooks. It works to identify the damaged data in an Excel Sheet, making it simpler to clean the whole document. The «Can’t paste a picture into Excel» error will be gone when such substance is eliminated.

Solution 10: Repair Excel with Tenorshare 4DDiG Data Recovery

Excel errors are unavoidable and can happen to anyone at any time. These errors can lead to the corruption of files if not dealt properly. Such a situation can be disastrous, and you may lose your precious information. So, to get back a corrupted Excel file, you need a professional data recovery tool like Tenorshare 4DDiG Data Recovery Software. It is an expert tool that is mastered in restoring corrupted Excel files in a few steps. Here’s how:

• Step 1:Select a Location

Install Tenorshare 4DDiG Windows Data Recovery on your PC and go to the home interface where you can pick Devices and Drive. For your situation, select the disk where you lost the Excel sheet and click «Start» to continue.



• Step 2:Scan Corrupted Files

4DDiG will scan your chosen hard drive all around to reveal the files that have been found useful. After the scanning, you can find target files based on filter.



• Step 3:Recover Excel Files

4DDiG lets you preview and recover different record types, and you can choose your ideal files dependent on class, preview them, and eventually click on «Recover» to get them back from your hard drive. After you click on «Recover,» select an ideal location for your Excel sheet to prevent permanent loss.

Related FAQs

1. How to copy and paste in excel without changing the format?

Step 1: Copy the content to the Clipboard by pressing Ctrl + C.

Step 2: Click the cell where you wish to paste the information.

Step 3: Ensure to have selected the Paste Special option from Edit.

Step 4: Tap the Formulas radio button and press «Ok.»

2. When cells are copied using Excel’s copy function, what happens to the data in the copied cells?

After copying it using Excel’s copy function, the data or information is still in its initial/original location.

3. How do you fix «Excel Cannot insert the sheets into the destination workbook»?

To move or copy the data to the required Excel sheet, you can choose and then utilize the Copy and Paste commands to copy it into other sheets.

4. Why can’t you copy/paste images in Excel, but screenshots work?

It’s hard to explain why can’t you copy or paste iamges in Excel, but screenshots work. Anyway, you can follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Step 1: Go to the «Edit» tab from the menu and select «Paste Special.»

Step 2: Select «Bitmap» in place of Bitmap Image Object, and it will paste precisely at the cell you have selected.

Conclusion:

The above solutions will solve the «screenshot won’t paste into Excel» and «Microsoft Excel cannot paste the data» errors. But if you encountered file corruption while following these steps, you can use Tenorshare 4DDiG to get your files back. We hope this guide will help you in the best possible way.