Pivot Table Issues

How to Stop Excel From Checking Add This Data to the Data Model

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to prevent Excel from automatically selecting the 'Add this data to the Data Model' checkbox by default when creating a new PivotTable.

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a new PivotTable from a standard dataset.
Observed behavior: The 'Add this data to the Data Model' option is always checked by default in the Create PivotTable dialog box, and there is no obvious way to disable this default behavior.

Before you start

Keep in mind that adding data to the Data Model is essential only if you plan to use Power Pivot or create relationships between multiple tables. If you are analyzing a single standard dataset, skipping the Data Model will keep your file lightweight.

Solution 1Recommended

Manually Uncheck the Option During PivotTable Creation

Since Excel does not provide a global preference to permanently change this default setting, the most straightforward solution is to clear the checkbox manually each time you create a PivotTable.

Microsoft Excel's newer versions are designed to encourage the use of Power Pivot and the Data Model for advanced analytics. Because of this, the application defaults to checking the 'Add this data to the Data Model' box when it detects certain table structures or formatting.

To avoid the overhead of the Data Model for simple tables, you must intervene during the creation process.

Select your data range

Open your Excel worksheet and highlight the range of cells or the table you want to use for your PivotTable.

Insert a new PivotTable

Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the Excel ribbon at the top of the window and click on the 'PivotTable' button.

Clear the Data Model checkbox

In the 'Create PivotTable' dialog box that appears, look at the very bottom for the checkbox labeled 'Add this data to the Data Model'. Click the box to remove the checkmark.

Generate the PivotTable

Click 'OK' to proceed. Excel will now create a standard PivotTable without adding your dataset to the underlying Data Model.

No Universal Setting Available: Currently, Microsoft Excel does not offer a global setting, preferences toggle, or registry key to permanently disable this checkbox for all future PivotTables.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Create PivotTables Seamlessly with WPS Office

If Excel's default settings and forced Data Model integrations are complicating your workflow, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for creating standard PivotTables quickly and without unnecessary dialog box obstacles.

1. Open your file in WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Excel workbook.
2. Insert a PivotTable: Select your data, go to the 'Insert' tab, and click 'PivotTable'.
3. Create instantly: Choose your destination worksheet and click 'OK' for an instant, hassle-free PivotTable experience.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx and .xls) formats.Create straightforward PivotTables without forced Data Model prompts.Lightweight architecture ensures fast performance, even for large datasets.Familiar ribbon interface makes switching from Excel completely effortless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel want to add my data to the Data Model by default?

Adding data to the Data Model allows Excel to use advanced compression on large datasets and enables the creation of relationships between multiple tables. This is foundational for using Power Pivot features, which Microsoft actively promotes in newer Excel versions.

Can I use a VBA macro to bypass the Data Model checkbox?

Yes, you can write a simple VBA macro to generate a standard PivotTable automatically. By running the macro instead of using the Insert ribbon, you bypass the creation dialog entirely, ensuring the data is not added to the Data Model.

Does checking 'Add this data to the Data Model' increase my Excel file size?

It depends on the data. For very large datasets, the Data Model's highly efficient xVelocity compression engine can actually reduce your overall file size. However, for smaller or simple datasets, adding them to the Data Model can add unnecessary overhead and slightly increase the file size and memory usage.

Excel & Data Problems