VBA & Macro Problems

Fix Excel VBA Showing Only the First Worksheet During Timed Macro

Phi Hung Vo Oct 15, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is running an automated timed macro that loops through multiple workbooks and worksheets, but the system fails to render the UI properly after the first worksheet.

Fix Excel VBA Showing Only the First Worksheet During Timed Macro

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Executing a timed VBA macro that opens workbooks and displays matching worksheets sequentially for a few seconds each.
Observed behavior: Only the first worksheet appears correctly on the screen. Subsequent worksheet displays look blurred or fail to visually update, even if the wait time is increased.

Before you start

Ensure you have saved a backup copy of your macro-enabled workbook before modifying the VBA code, and check that your script is not caught in an infinite loop.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Application.ScreenUpdating and DoEvents

Force the system to process pending visual updates before the macro triggers the time delay.

Excel's user interface rendering and VBA code execution do not always run synchronously. When a macro executes a time delay, the application may freeze the screen to allocate resources to the script, causing subsequent worksheets to appear blurred or blank.

Increasing the wait time alone will not resolve this visual glitch. You must explicitly instruct the operating system to process pending screen updates before pausing.

Open the VBA Editor

Press Alt + F11 on your keyboard to open the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor in Excel.

Locate the Delay Command

Find the module and the specific loop where your macro delays execution (e.g., using Application.Wait or Sleep).

Enable Screen Updating

Insert the line `Application.ScreenUpdating = True` immediately before your delay command to ensure Excel is allowed to refresh the UI.

Add the DoEvents Function

Insert the command `DoEvents` on the very next line. This passes control to the operating system temporarily so it can render the updated worksheet.

Save and Run

Save your code and run the macro again. All worksheets should now display clearly during the timed sequence.

Use Application.ScreenUpdating and DoEvents

Why DoEvents works: The DoEvents function yields execution so the operating system can process other background events, such as fully drawing the Excel application window.

Advanced Spreadsheet Editor

Write and Run Macros Seamlessly with WPS Spreadsheets

WPS Office provides robust support for VBA and Macros, allowing you to automate repetitive tasks, manage workbooks, and ensure smooth screen updates without visual glitches.

1. Open WPS Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office and open your macro-enabled workbook (.xlsm).
2. Enable Macros: Click on the 'Developer' tab in the top ribbon and ensure macros are enabled for your current session.
3. Access the Macro Editor: Click on 'Visual Basic' or 'Macro Editor' to view, edit, and troubleshoot your VBA code.
4. Apply Screen Updating Fix: Add 'DoEvents' and 'Application.ScreenUpdating = True' to your script loop and run the automation smoothly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel macro formats (.xlsm)Built-in advanced Macro Editor for easy script debuggingLightweight architecture ensuring fast execution of VBA scriptsStable UI rendering during complex automated tasks

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my screen freeze or blur when running an Excel macro?

Excel often halts screen rendering during heavy macro execution to optimize performance and speed up code. If a delay is used without yielding to the OS, the screen cannot redraw, causing it to appear frozen or blurred.

Will increasing the Application.Wait time fix screen blurring?

No, simply increasing the wait time (e.g., to 10 seconds) will not resolve screen blurring. The system needs the DoEvents command to explicitly process the pending visual updates before the wait begins.

Where exactly should I place the DoEvents command in my VBA script?

You should place the DoEvents command inside your loop, immediately before the delay or wait command. This guarantees the UI updates completely before the pause sequence triggers.

Does WPS Office support Excel VBA macros?

Yes, the professional versions of WPS Office fully support VBA and are highly compatible with Microsoft Excel's .xlsm formats, allowing you to run and edit your existing macro scripts.

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