Office Apps Freezing

Fix Microsoft Query Disabled or Freezing Excel After Update

Phi Hung Vo Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need to resolve an issue where Microsoft Query fails to work, remains disabled, or causes the application to freeze after a software update.

How to Fix Microsoft Query Disabled or Freezing Excel After an Update

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to create a new data query using the legacy Microsoft Query wizard in Excel after installing a recent Office update.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Query is either missing from the customization options or grayed out. If enabled via Legacy Wizards, selecting it causes Excel to display an hourglass and permanently freeze on the 'Excel is retrieving data' prompt, requiring a forced close via Task Manager. Existing queries usually still function.

Before you start

Before attempting to fix or roll back your software, save any open workbooks and verify if your existing spreadsheet queries are still functional, as the freeze typically only occurs when creating new queries.

Solution 1Recommended

Report the Defect and Roll Back the Office Update

Since this freezing issue is frequently caused by a product defect introduced in a recent Office update, reverting to a previous stable build is the most reliable workaround while waiting for a patch.

This symptom indicates a compatibility bug rather than a local configuration problem on your computer. Downgrading Office temporarily resolves the issue.

Check Your Current Office Version

Open Excel and navigate to File > Account. Note down your current Office version and build number listed under the 'About Excel' section.

Disable Automatic Updates

While still in the Account menu, click the 'Update Options' drop-down button and select 'Disable Updates' to prevent Office from immediately reinstalling the buggy version.

Report the Issue

Click on the 'Help' tab and select 'Feedback' to report the freezing bug to Microsoft Support, ensuring you include your build number and reproduction steps.

Roll Back Office

Use the command prompt and the Office Deployment Tool to execute a rollback command (e.g., "officec2rclient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.xxxxx.xxxxx") targeting the previous stable version.

Report the Defect and Roll Back the Office Update

Administrative Privileges Required: Rolling back an Office installation requires administrator privileges on your Windows device.

Solution 2

Switch to Modern Power Query Instead

Microsoft is gradually phasing out legacy wizards. Using Power Query (Get & Transform Data) prevents freezing and offers a more robust data import experience.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Stable Data Processing

If Microsoft Excel continues to freeze or struggle with data queries after routine updates, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and stable environment for handling complex spreadsheets without the bloat of unstable legacy wizards.

Seamlessly opens, edits, and saves Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls, .csv) formats.Lightweight architecture minimizes system hanging and freezing during complex tasks.Reliable data processing without dependency on deprecated legacy features.Free to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate tabbed interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel freeze when I click on Microsoft Query?

This freezing is typically caused by a bug introduced in a recent Office update that breaks the legacy Microsoft Query component, causing Excel to hang indefinitely on the 'retrieving data' background process.

Can I still use my existing Microsoft Query connections?

Yes. In most cases, existing data connections in previously saved workbooks will continue to refresh and function normally. The application freeze usually only triggers when you attempt to build a completely new query.

How do I enable Microsoft Query if it is missing from my ribbon?

You can restore it by navigating to File > Options > Data, and checking the box for 'From Microsoft Query' under the 'Show legacy data import wizards' section. However, if the bug is present, using it may still cause a crash.

What is the best alternative to using Microsoft Query?

Power Query is the modern, recommended alternative. You can access it by going to the Data tab and clicking 'Get Data', which provides superior stability and advanced transformation options.

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