Copy and Paste cells data within Excel worksheets not working after Office update.

Rosero Solis, Carlos 0 Reputation points
2026-09-10T15:55:23.9+00:00

Issue Description:

  • Normal copy and paste within Excel no longer works.
  • When I copy cells using Ctrl + C and attempt to paste using Ctrl + V, Excel briefly flickers, but nothing is pasted.
  • The copied range remains highlighted with the moving dashed border ("marching ants"), indicating that Excel still considers the cells to be copied.
  • There is no error message displayed.
  • The issue occurs in both existing workbooks and newly created blank workbooks.
  • The issue also occurs when Excel is started in Safe Mode (excel /safe).

What Works:

  • Cut (Ctrl+X) and Paste works correctly.
  • Paste Special → Values works correctly.
  • Paste Special → Formulas and Number Formats works correctly.
  • Pasting content copied from external applications (such as websites or SSMS) into Excel works correctly.

Troubleshooting Already Performed:

  • Tested in a brand-new workbook.
  • Tested in Excel Safe Mode.
  • Cleared the clipboard.
  • Restarted Excel and Windows.
  • Disabled add-ins by testing in Safe Mode.
  • Verified the issue is not limited to a specific workbook.

Is there a fix available?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | Other | Windows
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
DaveM121 928.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-09-10T16:31:01.9433333+00:00

The Copy & Paste problem is now widely reported in Excel as being caused by the latest Office update (KB5002914), though so far Microsoft have not acknowledged they are aware of the problem.

Try uninstalling that update and restart your PC, if that does not resolve the problem some people are reporting they needed to reinstall Office to restore the copy/paste functionality in Excel.

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