Autocomplete is not functioning in Excel [Solution]

In Microsoft Excel, the Autocomplete functionality assists users in quickly automating the same text in multiple rows. Sometimes, the Autocomplete feature may fail to work. In this article, we will explain what you can do if Excel Autocomplete is not functioning.

The Autocomplete feature displays suggestions based on other entries already present in the column and allows you to choose the desired entry for insertion in the cell. This feature also suggests formulas. For example, if you type = S, Excel will suggest the SUM and SUMIF functions.

Solution for Excel Autocomplete not working

If Autocomplete is not functioning in Excel, here are some steps you can follow:

Check if Autocomplete is disabled

In this tutorial, you will notice that we have ice cream at the table, but when we try to type ice cream below, the Autocomplete is not working. Once you type ice, it should show cream at the end.

To enable the Autocomplete feature, follow the steps below:

• Click the File tab on the ribbon.
• On the backstage view, click Options on the left.
• An Excel Options dialog box will appear.
• Click the Advanced tab on the left pane of the dialog box.
• Under Editing Options, check the checkbox for ‘Enable Autocomplete for all cell values;’ this will enable Autocomplete.
• Then click OK.

Now check if the Autocomplete feature is working by trying to type ice cream.

Check for any Blank cells in the dataset

Sometimes, the issue may occur due to blank cells in the table. Follow the steps below:

Right-click on the row containing the blank cell and click Delete.

The row containing the blank cell will be deleted. Now, check if Autocomplete is working.

Alternatively, you can fix this issue by inserting data into the blank cell adjacent to the column where you want to enter the text.

Now, try typing the text into the cell of that column to see if the Autocomplete feature is working.

Why did my AutoComplete stop working in Excel?

If you notice that the AutoComplete feature is not working, there are two possible reasons for this. AutoComplete may be disabled or there may be blank cells in the dataset.

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What is the difference between Autofill and Autocomplete in Excel?

Both Autofill and Autocomplete are important and useful features in Excel, but they have distinct differences. Autofill is a feature that allows users to automatically enter data if they are entering a predictable series. For example, if you are entering days of the week, months, or numbers, Excel will display the rest of the sequence in the table. The Autofill feature should not be confused with the Autocomplete or Autocorrect features, as they have different functions. The Autocomplete feature finishes text automatically while you are typing, particularly when the text is already available in your dataset.

READ: Unable to insert Columns in Excel.