Excel File Freezes when formatting

Question

When I try to format cells the file freezes and I have to close and restart. Formulas, etc seem to be working fine. Is there an update?

Answer 1

If your Excel file freezes when formatting cells, it may be due to excessive formatting or other performance issues. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

1. Eliminate Excessive Formatting: Excessive formatting can cause performance problems. Consider using the Inquire add-in to clean up excess cell formatting. You can load the Inquire add-in by going to File > Options > Add-ins, selecting COM Add-ins, and checking the box next to Inquire. Once loaded, you can use it to clean excess formatting.
2. Remove Unused Styles: If your workbook contains many unused styles, it can also contribute to freezing. Tools are available to remove these styles, especially if you're using an XML-based Excel workbook (.xlsx or .xlsm).
3. Check for Shapes: Sometimes, hidden shapes or objects can cause performance issues. Use the Find and Select option on the Home Ribbon to check for and remove any unwanted shapes.
4. Update Excel: Ensure that your version of Excel is up to date, as updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.
5. Consider Workbook Size: If your workbook is particularly large or complex, consider breaking it into smaller workbooks or simplifying its structure.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.

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References:

• How to clean up an Excel workbook so that it uses less memory
• "Request Was Taking Too Long" when you open a workbook in Excel Online

Answer 2

Dear @Brad Ottum,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.  

To help me check if your Excel version is up to date, could you please take a screenshot of File > Account > Product Information and About Excel? 

On the File > Account page, do you see the Update Options button? Click on it and select Update Now. If you are already on the latest version, a notification will appear stating that you are up to date. 

Additionally, you can check your version using this Microsoft reference: Update history for Microsoft 365 Apps (listed by date) - Office release notes | Microsoft Learn 

Regarding the issue you are facing, please follow the steps below. Based on the results, I can determine if the error lies within the Excel app, your account, or the device itself (as there are many possible causes). Please kindly help me try to follow these: 

Does this happen with all files, or is it just one specific file? 

Can you format cells normally on Excel for the Web? 

First, please open Excel in Safe Mode to see if the issue persists there. Open Office apps in safe mode on a Windows PC - Microsoft Support 

• Right-click the Start button (lower-left corner) in Windows, and click Run. 
• Alternatively, you can press the Windows logo key and the R key on your keyboard. 
• For Excel: Type excel /safe, and click OK. 

Try borrowing another laptop, sign in with your account, and see if the problem occurs there as well. 

Please try performing an Online Repair following this Microsoft guide: Repair an Office application - Microsoft Support 

Try creating a new Windows profile on your laptop to see if the issue exists there. Please follow these instructions: Manage User Accounts in Windows - Microsoft Support 

• In the Settings app on your Windows device, select Accounts > Other user or use the following shortcut: 
• Under Add other user, select Add account. 
• Select the option I don't have this person's sign-in information > to create a local account, select the option Add a user without a Microsoft account. 

If the issue still persists, please uninstall and reinstall the app. 

Please follow these steps and answer my questions fully so I can identify the root cause and provide the appropriate next steps for your situation. I truly appreciate your cooperation! 

Looking forward to your response! 

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