Chart & Visualization Issues

Fix Excel Waterfall Chart Not Available Error in Microsoft 365

Bushra Parveen Sep 30, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is unable to view a previously working waterfall chart in Microsoft 365 and receives a version compatibility error message.

How to Fix Excel Waterfall Chart Not Available in Microsoft 365

Product: Excel for Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Opening an existing workbook that contains a waterfall chart.
Observed behavior: Excel fails to render the chart and displays the error message: "This chart isn't available in your version of Excel."

Before you start

Ensure you have an active internet connection to download potential Office updates, and save a backup copy of your Excel workbook to prevent accidental data loss during troubleshooting.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Microsoft 365 to the Latest Version

Installing the latest updates fixes bugs and ensures your version of Excel has the necessary features to render waterfall charts.

Microsoft frequently releases updates for Microsoft 365 that patch known visualization bugs. If your software is outdated or an update was interrupted, Excel may fail to recognize newer chart types like waterfall charts.

Open Account Settings

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

Check for Updates

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

Apply Updates

Select 'Update Now'. Excel will check for and download any pending Microsoft 365 updates. Once completed, restart Excel and open your workbook again.

Update Microsoft 365 to the Latest Version

Update Complete: Keeping your Office applications updated ensures maximum compatibility with all advanced chart types.

Solution 2

Test the Workbook on Another Computer

Opening the file on a different device helps determine if the issue is a corrupted file or a localized software problem.

Solution 3

Perform an Online Repair of Microsoft 365

Repairing the Office suite can fix missing or broken internal components that cause charting errors.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Bypass Excel Chart Errors with WPS Office

If Microsoft 365 continues to display compatibility errors with your waterfall charts, try opening your file in WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, lightweight suite that seamlessly handles Microsoft Excel files and renders advanced data visualizations accurately.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your device.
2. Open Your Workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet, click on 'Open', and select your existing .xlsx file.
3. View the Chart: Your waterfall chart will render immediately, allowing you to view and edit your data without compatibility errors.

100% compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formatsAccurately renders and supports advanced charts, including Waterfall chartsFree to download with no forced subscription feesFamiliar interface makes migrating from Microsoft Office effortless

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel say my chart isn't available for a file that worked before?

This usually happens if Microsoft 365 updates are pending, if a recent software update introduced a bug, or if your Office 365 subscription lost its activation status, temporarily reverting your software to a basic version with limited features.

Which versions of Microsoft Excel support waterfall charts?

Waterfall charts were natively introduced in Excel 2016 and are fully supported in Excel 2019, Excel 2021, and Microsoft 365. Older versions like Excel 2013 or 2010 do not support them and will always display a compatibility error.

Will running an Online Repair delete my Excel files?

No, repairing or reinstalling Microsoft 365 only affects the application files. Your personal workbooks, charts, and data stored on your hard drive or OneDrive will remain safe and untouched.

Excel & Data Problems