I cant select the drop down box in a data validation cell when using Excel

David Towell 0 Reputation points
2026-09-15T09:42:57.3333333+00:00

I am using excel and the data validation tool to control entries in to cells. The problem I am encountering is that when I select the drop-down arrow adjacent to the entry cell, the mouse doesn't recognise it as a drop down tool and simply selects the adjacent cell to the right.

I think I have set up the data validation correctly. What I need to know is how to persuade the mouse to recognise the drop-down arrow. I can see it, but I can't select it.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For business | Windows
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  1. Heimerdinger 385 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-15T11:47:23.5966667+00:00

    Hi @David Towell,

    Thank you for posting your question.

    I tested a similar setup on my side using Excel's Data Validation drop-down list feature, and I was able to click the drop-down arrow and select items from the list

    User's image

    To help narrow this down, could you please provide a bit more information?

    • Does this happen in only one workbook, or in all workbooks that contain Data Validation lists?
    • If you use the keyboard shortcut Alt + Down Arrow while the cell is selected, does the drop-down list appear?
    • Does the issue occur with both a mouse and a touchpad (if your device has one)?
    • If you create a brand-new workbook and add a simple Data Validation list, does the same behavior occur?
    • Does Excel correctly recognize clicks on other interface elements such as filter drop-downs and ribbon buttons?

    If possible, could you also provide a screenshot or short screen recording showing what happens when you try to click the drop-down arrow? That would help me better understand whether Excel is displaying the drop-down incorrectly or whether the mouse click is being registered in the wrong location.

    In the meantime, please try repairing your Office installation:

    1. Right-click the Start button and select Installed apps. User's image
    2. Locate Microsoft 365 or your Office installation. User's image
    3. Click the three-dot menu (...) next to it and select Modify.
    4. If prompted by User Account Control, select Yes. User's image
    5. Choose Online Repair and follow the on-screen instructions.

    Thank you again for your time and understanding. I really appreciate your patience, and I'm here to help. Looking forward to your response. If I have misunderstood any part of your situation, please feel free to clarify and I'd be happy to assist further.

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  2. Zoha Fatima 510 Reputation points
    2026-09-15T11:46:07.8+00:00

    Hi David,

    If you can see the drop-down arrow but clicking it selects the next cell, this may be an Excel display or input issue rather than the data validation setup itself.

    First, select the cell and press Alt + Down Arrow. If the list opens, the validation is working correctly. Then try restarting Excel and temporarily setting Windows display scaling to 100%, as scaling can sometimes cause the clickable area to become misaligned.

    Also check Data > Data Validation and make sure “In-cell dropdown” is enabled. If the issue occurs in every workbook, try opening Excel in Safe Mode using excel /safe. If it works there, an Excel add-in may be interfering.

    Thank you, and feel free to respond back for more assistance.

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