Excel 2016 unable to copy & paste

Pritesh Salve 45 Reputation points
2026-09-21T10:35:40.3466667+00:00

hi,

i have facing the copy paste clipboard issue, i re-install the office but then after next day office has update automatically , because i disabled the windows update service.

please share if have any solution on this problem.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-21T10:35:56.16+00:00

    This is a known Excel issue that can cause paste to fail silently after certain Office 2016 updates.

    Recommended path:

    1. Install the corrective Excel 2016 update KB5002665.
      • This update specifically fixes the known issue from KB5002914 that caused certain paste operations to fail silently.
      • If Office 2016 is the MSI-based edition, the standalone package is available from the Microsoft Download Center.
    2. After installing the update, restart Windows and test copy/paste again in Excel.
    3. If paste still fails, use Paste Special as a workaround:
      • In Excel, go to Home > Paste dropdown > Paste Special.
      • Try one of these options:
        • Formulas
        • Formulas & Number Formatting
        • Values
        • Values & Number Formatting
        • Link
    4. If the workbook has conditional formatting, paste may still fail even after KB5002665. That limitation is documented.
    5. If Paste Special is missing or not working:
      • Go to File > Options > Advanced.
      • Under Cut, copy and paste, make sure Show Paste Options button when content is pasted is checked.
      • Close all web browser instances and test again.
      • Start Excel in Safe Mode by holding Ctrl while opening Excel. If Paste Special works there, an add-in is likely conflicting. Re-enable add-ins one at a time to find the cause.

    Important note: uninstalling or rolling back updates can reduce security protection. Installing the corrective update is the safer documented fix.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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    7 people found this answer helpful.

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