Data validation list dropdown arrow cannot be selected

Question

Data validation list shows the dropdown arrow, but the arrow cannot be selected to view the dropdown list.

When the cell is right-clicked and 'Pick from drop-down list' selected, some options are shown, but not all.

This is happening with lists that are hard-coded in the data validation Source field, as well as with lists pointing to a named range.

Every now and then it will randomly work, but only one time before it stops working again, and I can't pinpoint why it worked those times.

The files are saved in a Microsoft Team, opened in the desktop application.

My Excel desktop application information: Microsoft® Excel® for Microsoft 365 MSO (16.0.14026.20326) 64-bit

Ruled out all the potential causes suggested in all available help documentation:

• Objects are not hidden.
• No macros/VBA in file.
• File not corrupted (occurring on multiple files, repair did no resolve the issue).
• Data validation option 'in-cell dropdown' is checked.
• Tables are not connected to a SharePoint list.
• Freeze panes is not on.
• Worksheet is not protected.

This is seriously impacting my ability to use Excel.

Answer 1

Right click the cell and then Pick From Drop-down list does not work for me either.

However, left click the DropDown arrow does work so suggest that you try that.

I will research a little more and see if I can identify the reason.

Answer 2

@OssieMac left-clicking the dropdown arrow is the standard path, and what my entire question is about, because it is not working.

I only included the information about 'Pick from Drop-down' to explain that I cannot even use that as a workaround.

Answer 3

Hi Sara,

May I know if this happening with new workbook or the existing ones are all affected?

For the test purpose, please create a new workbook and save it to your local computer (not in SharePoint library) and then apply Data Validation. This will us confirm if the issue is with the workbook stored in cloud or local workbooks are also creating the issue.

Besides, please provide the screenshot of Microsoft 365 Product Information. To get this screenshot, open Word or Excel on your system, click File>Account, capture the screenshot of all the information mentioned under Product Information. 

Regards,

Neha

Answer 4

Hi Sara,

Did you check the above reply? If you still need help, pleaee update us.

Regards,

Neha

Answer 5

Neha,

I believe I have isolated the cause of the issue. I have been able to recreate it multiple times, and resolve it as well.

The issue is that the target zone of the drop-down list arrow is not scaling correctly for displays at a higher scale (zoom).

I have a multiple-monitor setup, using an external monitor at 100% scaling (recommended), and my PC's built-in display at 250% scaling (recommended).

When the workbook is open on the built-in display at 250% scaling, the dropdown arrows are not selectable, but when I move it to the external monitor at 100% scaling, they work as expected.

Neha, if you could report this bug to the Windows 10 and Excel teams, I would appreciate it, because I would like my programs to work on all displays.

My system and Excel version details below.