How to fix Excel solver function buttons

Question

There are no checkbox's to adjust for Max , min values , make unconstrained Variables Non-negative

Mac OS - version Tahoe 26.0.1
Excel version - 16.102.1

Answer 1

Hi @MAYANK VERMA

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A Forum. 

I understand how inconvenient this issue can be when the Solver options such as Max, Min, and Value Of appear greyed out or can’t be selected in Excel on macOS.  

Based on my research, there are a few reports from users working with Excel 16.102 who encountered the same issue. 

In the meantime, you might want to try the following steps to see if they help resolve the issue: 

- Clear the Microsoft 365 and Excel cache to remove any temporary files that might be affecting how the Solver add-in works. 

- Try reverting Excel to version 16.99 or 16.100 to check if Solver functions normally in those builds. 

You can try following the steps below to roll back Excel to a previous version: 

+Open any Office app > Help > Check for Updates > clear the checkbox for “Automatically keep Microsoft Apps up to date.”  

+Quit all Office apps.   

+Go to Applications > choose Microsoft Excel > Move to Trash.  

+Install the 16.99 or 16.100 package from this link: Update history for Office for Mac - Office release notes | Microsoft Learn  

+After installation, reopen Excel and confirm the version under Excel > About Excel. 

Additionally, one user mentioned that it works if you hover over the word “Min” or “Max” and click directly on the text. A dashed box should appear, and the optimization should proceed as usual. You might want to give this a try and see if it works in your environment as well.

If the issue continues, please let me know which Solver add-in you’re currently using so that I can test it further in my environment. 

Please understand that our initial reply may not always immediately resolve the issue. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution. 

I look forward to your response. 

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