Excel autofill not working

Ensure AutoFill is enabled by checking "Enable fill handle and cell drag-and-drop" in File > Options > Advanced; 2. Correctly use the fill handle—the small square at the bottom-right of the selected cell—dragging with the black plus cursor, not the white arrow; 3. Unmerge cells or unprotect the sheet if necessary, as AutoFill doesn’t work on merged or protected cells; 4. Enable "Show Auto Fill Options button" and "Show Paste Options buttons" in Display options under Advanced settings; 5. Use relative references (e.g., A1) instead of absolute references (e.g., $A$1) when formulas need to update during AutoFill; 6. Test in a new workbook, restart Excel, or repair Office if the issue persists—most problems are due to disabled settings or incorrect dragging, not software failure, so adjusting these typically restores AutoFill functionality.

Excel’s AutoFill feature not working can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to quickly fill in a series (like dates, numbers, or formulas). But don’t worry—this is usually caused by a simple setting or user error. Here are the most common reasons and fixes:

✅ 1. Check if AutoFill is Enabled

AutoFill might be accidentally disabled in Excel settings.

Steps to fix:

• Go to File > Options.
• Click on Advanced.
• Scroll down to the Edit options section.
• Make sure the box for "Enable fill handle and cell drag-and-drop" is checked.
• Click OK.

This is the most common cause. If it was unchecked, AutoFill should now work.

✅ 2. Use the Correct Click-and-Drag Method

Even if AutoFill is enabled, you need to use the small square at the bottom-right corner of the selected cell (the fill handle).

How to do it right:

• Select the cell(s) with your data.
• Hover your mouse over the small square (fill handle) in the bottom-right corner.
• When the cursor turns into a black plus sign ( ), click and drag.
• Release to AutoFill.

⚠️ If the cursor turns into a white arrow, you're not over the fill handle—try again.

✅ 3. Check for Merged Cells or Protected Sheets

AutoFill won’t work if:

• Cells are merged.
• The worksheet is protected.

Solutions:

• Unmerge cells (Home > Merge & Center > Unmerge Cells).
• If the sheet is protected, go to Review > Unprotect Sheet (you may need a password).

✅ 4. AutoFill Options Popup Not Appearing?

After dragging, you should see a small AutoFill Options button (a little box with a dropdown icon). If it’s missing:

• Go to File > Options > Advanced.
• Look under Display options for this worksheet.
• Ensure "Show Paste Options buttons" is checked.
• Also check "Show Auto Fill Options button".

✅ 5. Formula AutoFill Not Updating?

If you're dragging a formula and it's not changing cell references:

• Make sure you’re not using absolute references ($A$1) unless intended.
• Use relative references (A1) for AutoFill to adjust correctly.

Example:

• =A1*2 will become =A2*2, =A3*2, etc. when filled down.
• =$A$1*2 will stay as =$A$1*2 — no change.

✅ 6. Reset Excel or Try Another File

If none of the above work:

• Try AutoFill in a new workbook to test if the issue is file-specific.
• Restart Excel or your computer.
• Repair Office via Control Panel > Programs > Microsoft Office > Change > Repair.

Bottom line: Most AutoFill issues come down to the fill handle being disabled or user error with the drag method. Double-check the settings and make sure you’re using the small square (fill handle) correctly.

Basically, it's not broken—just a switch or a small mistake. Fix the settings, and you're back in business.

The above is the detailed content of Excel autofill not working. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!