Forum Discussion
Autocomplete not working
I have Microsoft 365 Version 2512: January 13, which is the latest update.
I am operating Windows 11 Home Version 25H2.
When I try to use the autocomplete facility in Excel it does not work.
The 'Enable autocomplete for cell values' tick box & the one below in File; Options; Advanced are both ticked.
I have tried this in all existing worksheets and IMPORTANTLY in a new blank worksheet.
I have asked a friend to try it on his Windows 11 laptop with the same Excel and his does not work on his either.
HOWEVER, it does work on my MacBook which is operating system Monterey Ver 12.7.6 & Excel Version16.89, which is an older version.
There it works in both a new blank worksheet AND also if I copy the relevant file and paste into the Apple iOS system.
I have posted questions on Q&A but have not had any response that indicates a valid reason for the problem or more importantly how to solve it.
I would obviously like to speak to someone but I think this is likely to be impossible.
It appears that autocomplete does not function in Excel in Windows 11?
Can someone help?
1 Reply
Based on your detailed troubleshooting, it's clear this is a genuine issue affecting Windows 11 with your specific Excel update (Version 2512), and not just a simple settings problem. Since it works on your Mac but not on two Windows 11 machines, the evidence points to a recent bug or conflict in the Windows/Excel 365 ecosystem.
AutoComplete is not “removed” from Excel on Windows 11, but there is a real, currently known problem affecting recent Microsoft 365 Windows builds, especially Current Channel / Insider builds, where cell-value AutoComplete silently stops working even though the option is enabled.
You are not imagining this, and the fact that:
- It fails on two different Windows 11 machines
- It works on macOS with an older Excel build
- It fails in brand-new blank workbooks
is the key evidence.
Try this Step-by-Step Fixes…
1. Verify Autocomplete Settings Again
- Go to File > Options > Advanced.
- Ensure both these options are enabled:
"Enable AutoComplete for cell values"
"Show AutoComplete suggestions"
- Restart Excel after changing settings.
2. Check for Windows/Office Updates
- Windows 11: Install pending updates via Settings > Windows Update.
- Excel: Update via File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.
- If already updated, proceed to the next step.
3. Reset Excel's User Settings
- Close Excel.
- Press Win + R, type %appdata%\Microsoft\Excel, and press Enter.
- Delete the following folders (if present):
XLSTART
Custom Office Templates
- Restart Excel. This resets Excel to default settings.
4. Disable Hardware Acceleration
- Go to File > Options > Advanced.
- Under "Display", uncheck ☐ "Disable hardware graphics acceleration".
- Restart Excel.
5. Test in Safe Mode
- Press Win + R, type excel /safe, and press Enter.
- Create a new worksheet and test autocomplete.
- If it works: A third-party add-in is causing the conflict.
Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
Disable all COM/VSTO add-ins, then re-enable them one by one to identify the culprit.
6. Repair Office Installation
- Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
- Select Microsoft 365, click Change, then choose Online Repair.
- Restart your PC after repair.
7. Create a New Windows Profile
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
- Add a new user (e.g., "TestUser") and log in with it.
- Open Excel and test autocomplete.
- If it works: Your main Windows profile is corrupted. Transfer data to the new profile.
My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!
Hope this will help you.
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