The Clipboard is Not Working in Excel – 11 Possible Solutions

This is an overview.

Clipboard Not Working issue in Excel


Possible Reasons:

  • If your Microsoft Office application is not updated.
  • The clipboard is full.
  • Other applications may prevent the clipboard from opening.
  • Third-party applications or Excel add-ins may interfere with the clipboard functionality.
  • The Excel file is corrupted.
  • You are using a corrupt Microsoft Office application.

Solution 1 – Try these Common Tips

  • Restart the Excel program.
  • Restart your computer.

Solution 2. Clear the Clipboard

  • Go to Home tab > Clipboard group > Dialog box launcher. Or press Alt + H + F + O.
    The Clipboard task pane box will be displayed.Open the Clipboard task pane
  • Click Clear All.Clear the Clipboard task pane

The clipboard is cleared.

Clipboard has been cleared

 


Solution 3 – Close Unnecessary Applications

  • Enter Task Manager in the Search box.
  • Click Task Manager (App) or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
    Open the Task Manager
  • In the Task Manager window:
    • Right-click the unnecessary apps in Name.
    • Select End task.

    Close unnecessary apps


Solution 4 – Uncheck the Enable Live Preview Option

Go to the File tab > Options. Or press Alt + F + T.Open Excel Options window

  • Select General in Excel Options.
  • Uncheck Enable Live Preview > OK.

 

Uncheck Enable Live Preview


 Solution 5 – Disable LinkedIn Features

  • Go to the File tab > Options.
  • Uncheck “Enable LinkedIn features in my Office Applications” > OK.Uncheck Enable LinkedIn features in my Office Applications

Solution 6 – Update the  Microsoft Office Application

  • Go to the  File tab > Options > Update Options > Update Now.Update Microsoft Office application

Solution 7 – Open Excel in Safe Mode

  • Press Windows + R.
  • In the Run box, enter “excel /safe”
  • Click OK.Enable Excel safe mode

 


 Solution 8 – Disable Add-ins

  • Go to File tab > Options.
  • In the Excel Options window:
    • Select Add-ins.
    • Set Excel Add-ins in Manage > GO.

    Open add-ins

  • In the Add-ins dialog box:
    • Uncheck all add-ins.
    • Check the first add-in and click OK.

    Enable each add-in each time

 


Solution 9 – Delete Temporary Data in the Temp Folder

  • Open the Run box by pressing Windows+R.
  • Enter “%temp%” in Open and click OK.Open the Temp folder
  • Delete all temporary data in the Temp folder.Delete data from Temp folder

Solution 10 – Repair a Corrupted Excel Workbook

  • Go to File tab > Open > Browse.Open an Excel file
  • Select the Excel file in File Explorer.
  • Go to Open > Open and Repair.Select and Repair the corrupted Excel file
  • Click Repair.Allow Repair of the corrupted Excel file

Solution 11 – Repair the Microsoft Office Application

  • Right-click Start and select Installed apps.Open all installed applications In the Settings window:
  • Find Microsoft 365 and click the triple dot ().
  • Select Modify.Modify the Microsoft Office application
  • In the “How would you like to repair your Microsoft 365 and Office Programs?” window, check Quick Repair > Repair.Choose the Quick Repair option
  • Click Repair to start the quick repair process.Start Quick Repair

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel show “Cannot empty the clipboard?”

This error may occur when another application is currently using the clipboard.

What are the keyboard shortcuts for efficient clipboard operations in Excel?

Ctrl+C for copy, Ctrl+X for cut, and Ctrl+V for paste. Pressing Ctrl+Alt+V opens the “Paste Special” dialog, providing access to a variety of additional options.


Related Articles


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Aniruddah Alam
Aniruddah Alam

Md. Aniruddah Alam, a graduate of Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology, Dhaka, holds a BSc.Engg in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering. Joining Softeko in August 2022 as an Excel and VBA content developer, he has authored 90+ articles, covering fundamental to advanced Excel topics. He actively develops VBA codes for Excel automation and offers solutions in the Exceldemy Forum. Beyond work, he finds leisure in reading books, and taking relaxing walks, showcasing well-rounded blend of professional and... Read Full Bio

2 Comments
  1. Option “4. Uncheck Enable Live Preview Option” was a life saving solution for me.
    Thank you so much.

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