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Fix Excel Unresponsive Issues When Microsoft 365 Updates Are Pending
Question details
Excel becomes unresponsive or selects the wrong cells while a Microsoft 365 update is waiting to be installed.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Working on spreadsheets while automatic system or software updates are pending in the background.
- Observed behavior
- The application either selects the wrong cell when clicked or completely freezes and becomes unresponsive.
Save your current work and verify your current Excel version and build number by going to File > Account before applying any updates.
Install the Pending Microsoft 365 Update
Applying the pending update resolves version-specific glitches that cause Excel to become unresponsive.
Microsoft frequently releases updates to fix known bugs. When an update is downloaded but not yet installed, it can occasionally cause stability issues or erratic behavior within Excel.
Launch Microsoft Excel, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account' from the bottom of the left-hand menu.
Under the 'Product Information' section, click on the 'Update Options' button next to Office Updates.
Select 'Update Now' from the drop-down menu. Allow the Microsoft 365 update process to complete and then restart Excel.
Temporarily Disable Automatic Office Updates
Use this method if immediate updates disrupt your business operations and you need a stable environment temporarily.
Try WPS Office for a Stable, Uninterrupted Experience
If pending Microsoft 365 updates frequently disrupt your workflow or cause Excel to freeze, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative that gives you full control over when you update, ensuring your work is never interrupted by forced background installations.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Open Your Existing Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and click 'Open' to seamlessly load your existing Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) files.
- 3. Work Without Interruptions: Enjoy editing, formatting, and analyzing your data without worrying about pending background updates freezing your screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a pending update cause Excel to select the wrong cells?
Pending Microsoft 365 updates can sometimes cause background service interruptions or minor conflicts with the current session's memory, leading to erratic interface behavior like incorrect cell selection.
Will disabling Microsoft Office updates delete my current Excel features?
No. Disabling updates simply stops the software from downloading and installing new versions. All the tools and features you currently have installed will remain fully functional.
How can I check my current Excel version and build number?
You can check your version by opening Excel, clicking 'File', selecting 'Account', and looking under the 'About Excel' section. The version and build number will be clearly listed there.
