Stop an Excel file from Automatically Refreshing When File Opens

Question

I have a file that I do not want to refresh upon opening. I try and stop by clicking the bottom left "stop background query" but it's a small file and cannot click in time. Is there a way to stop it from auto refreshing? I don't want to refresh the current file and turning it off from connection properties doesn't work because I cannot save the file.

I have tried holding shift when opening and it does not work.

I am using Excel 2016.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Dear BSACMG,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

Based on the description, your Excel file keeps on refreshing every time you open it. Apologies for the inconvenience caused to you by this behavior. Before moving forward, we need more detailed information about the situation you are experiencing.

Kindly share with us the information below:

• May we know if you Excel file is linked to another Excel spread sheet or query data source?
• Is this happening also to a newly created Excel file?
• Do you have formulas in your Excel Sheet.

Normally Excel will keep on refreshing if there is linked or Query Data source.

I would suggest you to open the Excel in safe mode Open Office apps in safe mode on a Windows PC (microsoft.com) and check if still the same behavior.

You may set the Formulas Calculation options to Manual. File tab > Options > Formulas > Manual.

We look forward to your response. Thanks for your cooperation. Stay safe and healthy always.

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Sincerely,

Zee | Microsoft Community Moderator