Issue with Excel Sheet

Taj CMS 0 Reputation points
2026-09-12T13:26:48.6533333+00:00

Dear Team,

We upgraded MS office from 2016 to 2021 but after upgrade we are getting below error in excel and i am unable to move and copy sheet.

Error "we couldn't copy this sheet"

Kindly suggest ASAP.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-12T13:27:07.31+00:00

    If the issue is specifically with moving or copying sheets, use the supported sheet-copy methods for the Excel version in use:

    1. In the same workbook:
      • Right-click the sheet tab and select Move or Copy.
      • Select Create a copy.
      • Choose the destination under Before sheet.
      • Select OK.
    2. To copy by drag:
      • Hold CTRL and drag the sheet tab to the target tab position.
    3. If copying to another workbook in Excel for the web:
      • The Move or Copy sheet option is not available from the sheet tab.
      • Copy the worksheet data instead:
        • Press CTRL+Spacebar, then Shift+Spacebar to select all data.
        • Press CTRL+C.
        • Open the target workbook and add a blank worksheet with +.
        • Select the first cell and press CTRL+V.
      • Note: conditional formatting is lost with this method.
    4. If the workbook contains formulas or charts linked to the sheet, verify them after moving or copying because they can become inaccurate.

    The provided material does not include a documented fix for the specific error text “we couldn't copy this sheet” in Excel 2021 after upgrading from Office 2016. It does include an older Excel 2016 preview-only bug where copying a sheet moved it instead of duplicating it, and that issue was fixed by uninstalling the preview build and installing a released version. That known issue does not apply to Excel 2021.

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  2. Ian-T 11,560 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-13T00:52:50.8066667+00:00

    Hi @Taj CMS

    This may be caused by a damaged workbook or an Office installation issue after the upgrade.

    Please first test whether you can move or copy a worksheet in a new blank workbook:

    • If the issue occurs only in one workbook, save a backup, then select File > Open > Browse, select the workbook, choose the arrow beside Open, and select Open and Repair.
    • If the issue affects every workbook, update Office from File > Account > Update Options > Update Now, then run an Online Repair from Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Office 2021 > Modify > Online Repair.

    Also make sure the workbook or worksheet structure is not protected. Microsoft provides the standard worksheet-copy steps and workbook repair procedure here: Move or copy worksheets and Repair a corrupted workbook.

    I hope this helps, please feel free to let me know if you need any further help.

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