Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated November 18, 2023)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365
When Nigel first uses Copy and Paste, it works fine. If he then uses it a second time, he gets an error message that the Clipboard is "in use by another application." If he clicks OK, the message goes away and Excel does the paste. If he closes the workbook, and opens it again, he gets the same behavior. Nigel wonders if there is a solution for this.
The most frequent cause of this issue is that there is another program open on your system and it is accessing the Clipboard in some manner. Thus, the first thing to do is to restart your computer (so you can ensure all programs are closed) and then start Excel. If the problem goes away, then you can rest assured that the problem is with one of your other programs.
This, then, means that you'll need to do a bit of detective work. The easiest way is to note when the problem occurs, and then take stock of all open programs and open workbooks. Jot down notes of this environment, and make sure you keep track of all add-ins you have open in Excel. Each time the problem occurs, do the same thing. Over time, patterns will begin to emerge from your notes and this will help you figure out the most likely culprit.
If you still can't figure out the issue, then you may want to try some of the ideas presented at this website:
https://recoverit.wondershare.com/office-file-recovery/how-to-fix-excel-file-cannot-open-clipboard-error.html
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (1597) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 365 applications with VBA programming. Written in clear terms and understandable language, the book includes systematic tutorials and contains both intermediate and advanced content for experienced VB developers. Designed to be comprehensive, the book addresses not just one Office application, but the entire Office suite. Check out Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 today!
At the very heart of editing is the ability to move and copy cells in a worksheet. Understanding the differences between ...
Discover MoreWhen editing information in a cell, you may need to know the result of a portion of your formula. The shortcut described ...
Discover MoreExcel provides two really helpful shortcuts you can use to fill a range of cells, either horizontally or vertically. ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments