VBA & Macro Problems

Fix Excel Version 2408 Hangs When VBA Deletes Rows

Khadija Khan Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users encounter application hangs and freezing in Excel Version 2408 when executing VBA macros that retrieve SQL data and delete worksheet rows.

Fix Excel Version 2408 Freezing When VBA Deletes Rows

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Running automated VBA scripts to manage SQL data and clean up worksheets by deleting rows.
Observed behavior: Excel completely hangs or freezes in version 2408 (specifically build 17928.20114), despite the same VBA code working perfectly in earlier versions like 2406.

Before you start

Save your workbook and create a backup copy before attempting any software updates or version rollbacks to prevent data loss in case of an unexpected crash.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Microsoft 365 to the Latest Build

Installing a newer build, such as 17928.20156 or later, contains official bug fixes for macro-performance issues in Excel.

Microsoft frequently patches macro-performance bugs. If your channel allows it, forcing a manual update is the fastest way to resolve the freezing issue.

Open Account Settings

Launch Microsoft Excel, create a blank workbook, and click on 'File' in the top-left corner. Select 'Account' from the bottom of the left-hand menu.

Check for Updates

Under the 'Product Information' section, click on the 'Update Options' button.

Install Updates

Select 'Update Now' from the drop-down menu. Microsoft 365 will check for, download, and install the latest available build.

Restart and Test

Once the update is complete, restart Excel, open your macro-enabled workbook, and run the VBA script to confirm the row deletion issue is resolved.

Build Verification: Ensure your Excel version updates to build 17928.20156 or higher, as this specific release contains the patch for the VBA row deletion bug.

Solution 2

Roll Back to a Previous Stable Office Version

If an update is not yet available for your release channel, system administrators can revert Office to a known working version like 2406.

Solution 3

Escalate to Microsoft Support via Admin Center

If organizational policies block version rollbacks or manual updates, administrators must report the bug directly to Microsoft to request a fix.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Stable VBA and Macro Support

If frequent Microsoft Excel updates disrupt your workflow with macro-performance bugs, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides robust spreadsheet capabilities with excellent VBA compatibility, ensuring your automated scripts run smoothly without unexpected freezes.

1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office Free from the official website and follow the installation prompts.
2. Open Your Workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and directly open your existing .xlsm macro-enabled file.
3. Run Your Macros: Enable macros when prompted and execute your VBA scripts without experiencing the version 2408 hang.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) and macro-enabled workbooks (.xlsm).Stable and reliable VBA environment for seamless SQL data retrieval and row deletion tasks.Free to use with an intuitive, familiar interface that requires zero learning curve.Lightweight architecture requires fewer system resources, reducing the risk of application hangs.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel hang only when VBA deletes rows in this version?

In Excel version 2408 (specifically build 17928.20114), a known macro-performance bug affects how the application allocates memory and updates the UI during bulk row deletion, causing the software process to lock up or freeze.

Can I fix the VBA freezing issue without admin rights?

If your organization's IT policy restricts application updates or rollbacks, you cannot manually change the Office build yourself. You will need to ask your IT administrator to push the latest patch (build 17928.20156 or newer) or rollback to a stable build like version 2406.

Does rewriting my VBA code fix the Excel 2408 bug?

While optimizing VBA code—such as adding `Application.ScreenUpdating = False` and `Application.Calculation = xlCalculationManual`—is a good practice, it generally does not bypass this specific version-level bug. Updating or rolling back the software is required.

Will I lose my VBA macros if I roll back Excel to an older version?

No. Your VBA code is saved securely within the workbook itself (usually as an .xlsm or .xlsb file). Rolling back the Office application only replaces the software executable files and will not affect your personal data or macros.

Excel & Data Problems