We could not copy the content to the Clipboard, it is in use by another application. You can still paste your content within this workbook but it will not be available in other applications.

Anonymous
2022-05-18T13:29:01+00:00

Win 10 version 21H2 Build 19044.1706

Excel 2016 Version 2204 Build 15128.20224

This problem occurs randomly and with only a few cells being copied. The spreadsheet locks up and the only way out is Save>Close and open the book again. Sometimes that doesn't work and I have to close Excel completely.

Sometimes the top ribbon completely greys out and I can't do anything.

This is becoming a significant problem.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-09-01T05:38:05+00:00

    Chandy's response led me to figuring this out for myself just now.

    Saying third-party programs are calling the clipboard made me have a look at what was running on my computer. I had an app jump out at me. The snipping tool. I closed it, and it did not help. So, that wasn't it. I looked again, and another one stood out. My password manager (Keepass). It allows me to copy passwords so I don't have to see them and seems to have some hook into the clipboard. I closed it, and I could then copy in Excel.

    Though, a few minutes later, I got the same message. This time, I would get the message, but I could paste what I had copied. I got the error, but other than that annoyance copy and paste worked. It did not, before.

    I hope this helps someone.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-09-01T11:18:42+00:00

    It is a start. Thanks

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-09-07T11:22:15+00:00

    This worked for me.

    Simply add these two directories to your system:

    C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\Desktop

    C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Desktop

    I already had one of them. The original poster then sugested removing them but I haven't and the problem has gone.

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-09-15T14:16:40+00:00

    This is a difficult task on a corporate managed laptop.

    I run into this problem updating/loading a Power Query.

    Any other workaround?

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  5. Anonymous
    2022-09-19T07:18:53+00:00

    THNKS KarmicKameleon - never heard of the cloud clipboard before now !? lol

    Pressing (Win + V) and then turning on the cloud clipboard seems to have fixed the issue for me. Win/Excel version below.

    I was experiencing this issue while using Excel on a remote PC via RDC.

    I have been using this setup for awhile without issue - recent update to excel or changing to the beta channel may have created the issue - i have been having a nightmare time with the digital licensing - the support here is simply not adequate - hour and hours wasted on the phone to MS support staffers over several months - ended up buying new licences!! Any who thats a diff story - Try the above if you havent - easy as pie...

    Fingers crossed the issue doesnt arise again :)

    > Excel version 2210 (Build 15709.20000) Beta Channel (as at 19-9-22)

    > Windows 11 Pro

    > Enterprise license for Microsoft 365

    If you're on Windows 10/11 and you're using the cloud clipboard feature (Win + V)

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