[Fixed!] Name Manager Delete Option Greyed out in Excel (3 Reasons)

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While working with Microsoft Excel, sometimes, the creation of datasets with several names that subsequently get inadequately labeled, and the danger of mistakenly creating linkages between data. So, we need to delete the name ranges, but several times the name manager delete option greyed out. In this article, we will demonstrate the causes of this problem and some effective ways to fix the name manager delete option greyed out in Excel.


Name Manager Delete Option Greyed out in Excel: 3 Reasons with Solutions

We name ranges in Excel to make the workbooks simpler to understand, formulae quicker to enter and analyze, and the ability to construct variable-size ranges to keep our sheets flexible and updatable. But everything has its pros and cons. So, suppose you have created a lot of named ranges but you do not need these anymore so, you want to delete all those named ranges. But while deleting those ranges sometimes the delete button is greyed out or inactive.

To solve this problem we are going to use the following dataset. The dataset contains some items and total sales in 3 months; January, February, and March.

Now, let’s see why the delete option of the name manager is greyed out and how we can fix this.

3 Reasons with Solutions to Name Manager Delete Option Greyed out in Excel


Reason 1: Name Manager Delete Option Will Be Inactive If Worksheet Is Protected

To restrict other users from modifying, relocating, or deleting data in a spreadsheet, either mistakenly or on purpose, we protect our worksheet. But the protected worksheet greyed out / inactive the delete option on the name manager.

Suppose, we have a protected worksheet. Now, to delete a named range in Excel, firstly, go to the Formulas tab from the ribbon. Then, click on Name Manager under the Defined Names category.

Name Manager Delete Option Will Be Inactive If Worksheet Is Protected

This will open the Name Manager dialog box. And, you can see that the Delete option is greyed out or inactive.

Name Manager Delete Option Will Be Inactive If Worksheet Is Protected


Solution: Unprotect Sheet to Fix Excel Name Manager Delete Option Greyed out

To solve the problem, we need to unprotect the worksheets. For this, we need to follow a simple and quick procedure down.

STEPS:

  • Firstly, select the sheet with the named ranges you want to remove.
  • Secondly, go to the Review tab from the ribbon.
  • Thirdly, under the Protect category, click on the Unprotected Sheet.

  • Or, you can right-click on the sheet and then select the Unprotected Sheet.

  • This will appear in the Unprotected Sheet pop-up window and ask for the Password.
  • After that, type the password of your sheet on the Password type box.
  • Then, click on the OK button.

Unprotect Sheet to Fix Excel Name Manager Delete Option Greyed out

  • Finally, again if you open the Name Manager dialog box again, you will be able to see the Delete option is now active.

Unprotect Sheet to Fix Excel Name Manager Delete Option Greyed out

Read More: [Solved!] Names Not in Name Manager in Excel


Reason 2: Table in Excel Makes Name Manager Delete Option Inactive

Excel tables allow for rapid and convenient reading of problems shown in rows and columns. While creating a table, Excel immediately formats this. However, users can simply modify the format. But if your data is converted as a table, the name manager delete option greyed out.

Table in Excel Makes Name Manager Delete Option Inactive

As you can see the named ranges are named as Table1, and this can not be deleted.

Table in Excel Makes Name Manager Delete Option Inactive


Solution: Convert Table to Range

The only method to remove them is to return the table to a range. For this, follow the steps below.

STEPS:

  • In the beginning, select the table.
  • Then, go to Table Design on the ribbon.
  • After that, under the Tools category, click on Convert to Range.

  • This will open a pop-up window, which will ask Do you want to convert the table to a normal range?
  • Next, click OK.

  • Now, to name the range, select the whole dataset and go to the Formulas tab from the Excel menu bar.
  • Further, click on Create from Selection under Defined Names.

  • This will open a pop-up window. Now, tick-mark the Top row and Left column box.
  • Furthermore, click OK.

  • And, now, if you go to the Name Manager you will see the Delete option is now active.


Reason 3: Excel Display Settings Make Name Manager Delete Button Greyed out

The name manager delete button will grey out for some Excel settings. When the above reasons for the problem are not found and can’t solve the problem, we have to change Excel settings from Excel options.


Solution: Change Advanced Settings from Excel Options

To change advanced settings from Excel options, we need to follow the steps down.

STEPS:

  • In the first place, go to the File tab from the ribbon.

Excel Display Settings Make Name Manager Delete Button Greyed Out

  • After that, click on Options.

Excel Display Settings Make Name Manager Delete Button Greyed Out

  • And, this will open the Excel Options dialog box.
  • Next, go to the  Advanced menu.
  • And then, under Display options for this workbook, there is For objects show selection box. Now select All from there.
  • Now, clicking on the OK button will solve the problem.

Excel Display Settings Make Name Manager Delete Button Greyed Out


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Conclusion

The above reasons and solutions will assist you to fix the Excel name manager delete option greyed out. Hope this will help you! If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback please let us know in the comment section.


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Sabrina Ayon
Sabrina Ayon

Sabrina Ayon, a Computer Science and Engineering graduate from United International University, has been an integral part of the ExcelDemy project for two years. She authored 150+ articles, excelling in instructing through visually engaging Excel tutorials. With a passion for teaching, Sabrina conducted sessions on Excel VBA, sharing her knowledge and insights with others. Currently holding the position of Project Manager for the ExcelDemy Visual Development Project, she oversees various aspects of the project, ensuring its smooth operation... Read Full Bio

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