How to Turn Off AutoComplete in Excel (3 Easy Approaches)

Excel offers duplicate values from related cells when we start entering data into a cell, and we can take those identical values by pressing Enter at that time without having to input anything else. This feature is called AutoComplete. It helps you to enter the cell value and formula quickly in the cell. You can avoid errors regarding the arguments and syntaxes while using AutoComplete. But sometimes, you may not need the suggestion that Excel provides. So, you need to turn off AutoComplete to prohibit the auto-filiation of the cell. In this article, we’re gonna demonstrate to you to turn off AutoComplete in Excel. So let’s get started.


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Download the following practice workbook. It will help you to realize the topic more clearly.


3 Methods to Turn Off AutoComplete in Excel

To show the AutoComplete in Excel, we have taken a dataset of the Sales Reports of ABC Company. We will show the AutoComplete and the process to turn it off.

Dataset

Not to mention, we have used the Microsoft Excel 365 version. You may use any other version at your convenience.


1. Turning Off AutoComplete for Cell Values

Whenever you put a letter that is identical to the existing word or cell value then Excel AutoComplete the value on its own.
In our dataset, we entered J, and Excel AutoCompletes it to John like the existing one (see the image below).

Turning Off AutoComplete for Cell Values in Excel

To turn off AutoComplete follow the below steps.

  • Firstly, move to the File tab.

  • Consequently, choose the Options from the Menu bar.

Excel Options to turn off autocomplete in Excel

  • Sequentially, the Excel Options window appears. Navigate to the Advanced option and uncheck the Enable AutoComplete for cell values box under the Editing options section.
  • Lastly, hit OK.

Turn off AutoComplete for cell values in Excel

Now, you won’t get the suggestion that Excel autocompletes. As you can see, we enter J but it doesn’t show John like before.

Read More: How to Turn on Autocomplete in Excel (3 Easy Ways)


2. Deactivating AutoComplete for Formulas

Moreover, you can get the suggestion for AutoComplete for formulas also. When you put a = sign and type a letter then it shows you all the formulas that started with the letter.
In our dataset, we want to sum the total Sales with the SUM function. To do that, we insert the =s and Excel shows us all the formulas starting with s.

Deactivating/turn off AutoComplete for Formulas in Excel

To stop the auto-complete formulas, open the Excel Options window as we did in Method 1.

  • At this moment, hover over the Formulas option and uncheck the box of Formula AutoComplete.
  • Lastly, hit OK.

Excel options to turn off autocomplete in excel

As you can see, we enter =s but it doesn’t show the formula suggestions like before.

Read More: How to Autocomplete from List in Excel (4 Easy Ways)


3.  Disabling Fill Handle Tool

If you are using Excel for a while, you may be introduced to the Fill Handle tool. We also call it the Drag and Drop option in Excel. It auto-fills the cells based on the previous value. We entered a date in our dataset and when we hover the mouse cursor over to the left bottom corner it turns into a âž• sign like the image below.

Deactivating AutoComplete for Formulas

If you drag it down then it fills the empty cells with the related sequence.

Now, if you want to stop this Fill Handle tool to auto-complete the cells, open the Excel Options first as we mentioned in Method 1.

  • Now, go to the Advanced option and uncheck the Enable fill handle and cell drag-and-drop box
  • Finally, hit OK.

Eventually, there is no âž• sign like before in the below image.

turn off fill handle tool to autocomplete in Excel

Read More: Autocomplete Data Validation Drop Down List in Excel (2 Methods)


Practice Section

We have provided a practice section on each sheet on the right side for your practice. Please do it by yourself.

Practice Section


Conclusion

That’s all about today’s session. And these are some easy methods to turn off autocomplete in Excel. Please let us know in the comments section if you have any questions or suggestions. For a better understanding please download the practice workbook. Visit our website ExcelDemy, a one-stop Excel solution provider, to find out about diverse kinds of excel methods. Thanks for your patience in reading this article.


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Fahim Shahriyar Dipto

Fahim Shahriyar Dipto

Hello! Welcome to my Excel blog! I am a big fan of MS Excel. I am learning new and exciting things in Excel and writing the process here. I think this will be helpful for you to get used to Excel. Keep visiting our website for new and updated Excel methods.

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