How to Fix Excel Freezing After VBA Runs Following a Windows Update
Question details
Users experience Excel freezing or becoming unresponsive after running VBA macros, specifically following a recent system update like Windows update KB5015807.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Running VBA macros in an Excel workbook after a recent Windows system update.
- Observed behavior
- The Excel application completely freezes or becomes unresponsive immediately after the macro finishes executing.
Ensure you save a backup copy of your Excel workbook and verify exactly which recent Windows updates were installed in your system settings before proceeding with uninstallation.
Temporarily Uninstall the Problematic Windows Update
Since the freezing issue is triggered by a specific Windows update (like KB5015807), rolling it back temporarily can restore VBA functionality.
This is a short-term workaround. Microsoft occasionally releases updates that inadvertently conflict with Office applications. Removing the specific update will revert your system to its previous stable state until an official patch is released.
Click the Start menu and go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click on 'View update history'.
At the top of the Update history page, click on 'Uninstall updates'. This will open a new Control Panel window listing all recent updates.
Locate the recent update (e.g., KB5015807) in the list. Right-click it and select 'Uninstall'. Follow the on-screen prompts and restart your computer when finished.
Pause Windows Updates Temporarily
Prevent Windows from automatically reinstalling the problematic update after you have uninstalled it.
Try WPS Office for Stable Spreadsheet Management
If Microsoft Excel continues to freeze after system updates, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for handling complex spreadsheets and macros without the same update-induced disruptions.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for Windows.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the installation wizard, then open WPS Spreadsheet.
- 3. Open Your Macro Workbook: Go to File > Open and select your .xlsm file to continue working with your macros without freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prevent Windows from reinstalling the update that causes Excel to freeze?
Yes, after uninstalling the problematic update, you can go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and choose to 'Pause updates' for up to 35 days until an official fix is released.
Will my VBA code be lost when Excel freezes?
Any unsaved changes to your VBA code or workbook data prior to the freeze may be lost. It is highly recommended to save frequently and ensure AutoRecover is enabled in Excel's Save options.
How do I know if Microsoft has fixed the VBA freezing issue?
You can check the official Microsoft Windows Release Health dashboard online. Look for your specific Windows version and check the 'Resolved issues' section to see if a patch has been issued for Office or VBA freezing.
