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Fix Excel 2016 Running Slowly by Updating Graphics Drivers
Question details
The user is experiencing severe performance issues and slow response times in Excel 2016, even when using new workbooks or running the application in Safe Mode.
- Product
- Excel 2016
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Navigating or editing workbooks in Excel 2016 on an AMD Ryzen and Radeon system.
- Observed behavior
- Excel 2016 runs extremely slowly. Standard troubleshooting steps like Safe Mode, disabling add-ins, and reinstalling Windows initially failed to resolve the lag.
Before proceeding, verify that your monitor is plugged into the dedicated graphics card port rather than the motherboard, and ensure Windows is fully updated to avoid conflicts during driver installation.
Install Official Graphics Drivers via Device Manager
Replacing a generic display driver with the official AMD driver resolves monitor limitation issues and restores Excel's performance.
A generic graphics driver provided by Windows can limit your hardware's display capabilities, leading to unexpected stuttering and slow rendering in desktop applications like Microsoft Excel.
Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select 'Device Manager' from the Quick Link menu.
Expand the 'Display adapters' section by clicking the arrow next to it. Check if a 'Microsoft Basic Display Adapter' or a generic AMD driver is listed instead of your specific graphics card model.
Visit the official AMD website or your hardware manufacturer's support page to download the latest Radeon graphics driver specific to your graphics card model.
Run the downloaded installer, follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation, and then restart your computer to apply the changes.
Disable Hardware Graphics Acceleration in Excel
If the correct drivers are installed but Excel still lags, disabling hardware graphics acceleration can bypass GPU rendering conflicts.
Configure Windows Power Settings to Balanced
Incorrect power plans can restrict hardware performance. Setting Windows power settings to Balanced ensures optimal hardware utilization for Excel.
Experience Lag-Free Spreadsheets with WPS Office
If Excel 2016 continues to run slowly or struggles with hardware acceleration on your system, switch to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, highly optimized alternative that runs smoothly even on older or custom-built hardware without compromising on features.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation package.
- 2. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheet, click 'Open', and select your existing Excel files to seamlessly continue your work without missing data.
- 3. Edit Without Lag: Enjoy smooth scrolling, rapid data processing, and lag-free cell formatting right out of the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel 2016 run slowly even in Safe Mode?
If Excel runs slowly in Safe Mode, the issue is typically not caused by add-ins or custom toolbars. Instead, it is heavily linked to underlying system hardware conflicts, such as outdated or generic display drivers, or incorrect BIOS configurations.
How do I know if I am using a generic graphics driver?
You can check this by opening the Device Manager in Windows and expanding the 'Display adapters' section. If you see 'Microsoft Basic Display Adapter' or a generic manufacturer name with a warning symbol, your system is using a generic driver.
Does disabling hardware graphics acceleration affect other Office apps?
Yes, the 'Disable hardware graphics acceleration' setting is applied across the entire Microsoft Office suite. If you disable it in Excel, it will also be disabled in applications like Word and PowerPoint.
Can a Windows update cause my graphics driver to revert to generic?
Yes, major Windows updates can sometimes replace custom manufacturer drivers with generic Microsoft equivalents, which may cause sudden performance drops in graphics-intensive applications.
