Excel Performance Problems

Fix Excel Data Validation List Not Scrolling After Update 2308

John Wilson Oct 10, 2026 871 views

Question details

The scroll arrows and scrollbar within data validation drop-down lists are visible but unresponsive, limiting the user to viewing only the first eight options.

How to Fix Excel Data Validation List Not Scrolling After Update 2308

Product: Microsoft Excel (64-bit)
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to select an item from a long data validation drop-down list after installing the Excel 2308 update.
Observed behavior: The drop-down displays the first eight options, but the scroll mechanism is completely unresponsive to clicks or mouse wheel scrolling, preventing access to the rest of the list.

Before you start

Before proceeding, check your exact Excel build by navigating to File > Account, and manually save a backup of your workbook to prevent any accidental data loss during troubleshooting.

Solution 1Recommended

Install the Latest Microsoft Office Updates

Since this scrolling failure is a known bug introduced in version 2308, applying the latest Microsoft Office patches is the most reliable way to receive the official fix.

Microsoft actively monitors version-specific bugs and frequently releases patches to address interface issues like unresponsive drop-down menus. Updating to a newer build than 2308 should restore normal scrollbar functionality.

Open Account Settings

Launch Microsoft Excel, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account' from the bottom of the left-hand menu.

Access Update Options

Under the 'Product Information' section, click on the 'Update Options' drop-down button located next to 'Office Updates'.

Trigger the Update

Select 'Update Now'. Excel will check for any available patches newer than version 2308, download them, and apply the fixes automatically.

Install the Latest Microsoft Office Updates

Restart Required: Make sure to completely close and restart all Microsoft Office applications for the update to take effect.

Solution 2

Create a Microsoft 365 Support Request

If updating does not resolve the issue, enterprise users should have their administrator open an official support ticket with Microsoft.

Solution 3

Use an ActiveX Combo Box as a Workaround

While waiting for a permanent fix or update, you can replace the broken data validation list with a fully functional Combo Box control.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Bug-Free Spreadsheets

If Microsoft Excel update bugs are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative that handles complex data validation lists smoothly without scrollbar glitches.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite for your operating system.
2. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets, click 'Open', and select your existing .xlsx file.
3. Use Drop-Down Lists Smoothly: Click on any cell with data validation. The drop-down lists and scrollbars will work perfectly, allowing you to bypass the Excel bug.

Free, lightweight, and fast office suiteFully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formatsRobust data validation tools without the version 2308 scrolling bugFamiliar user interface requiring zero learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Excel drop-down list only show 8 items?

By default, Microsoft Excel data validation drop-down lists are designed to display a maximum of eight items at a time. To view additional items, users normally use the attached scrollbar. If the scrollbar is unresponsive, it is likely due to the bug introduced in update version 2308.

How do I make the data validation drop-down list longer?

Excel's native data validation feature is hardcoded to show eight items and cannot be resized to show more simultaneously without using a workaround. To show more items, you must replace the data validation list with a Combo Box (Form Control or ActiveX Control) from the Developer tab, where you can adjust the 'ListRows' property.

Will reinstalling Excel fix the drop-down scrolling bug?

Reinstalling Excel will only fix the bug if you install a different version (either newer than 2308, or an older stable build). If you reinstall the exact same 2308 build, the bug will persist. Updating via 'File > Account > Update Options' is the recommended approach.

Can I roll back my Office update to fix this issue?

Yes, rolling back to an earlier version (such as version 2307) can bypass the bug. This usually requires using the Office Deployment Tool or specific command-line prompts. Contacting your IT admin is recommended before attempting a manual version rollback.

Excel & Data Problems