Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: Disabling Dragging and Dropping.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated May 23, 2025)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
Adam knows how to disable drag-and-drop editing within Excel, using a macro, by setting the CellDragandDrop property for the Application object. He rightfully notes that this doesn't stop people from dragging information from other programs (such as Word or Outlook) and dropping that information into a worksheet. He wonders if there is a way to disable dragging and dropping into Excel regardless of the source.
The closest solution we've been able to find is a set of macros developed by Ken Puls and noted at this page:
http://www.vbaexpress.com/kb/getarticle.php?kb_id=373
The macros disable certain functions and shortcut keys, and thereby disallow cutting, copying, and pasting. Theoretically it also disables dragging and dropping, but only extensive testing with various programs will tell if it will work in Adam's situation.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (11520) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Disabling Dragging and Dropping.
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!
When you cut and paste rows using Ctrl+X and Ctrl+V, Excel leaves empty the rows where the cut information was previously ...
Discover MoreWhen editing a cell, you may want to cancel the edit at some point. There are two ways to do this, both described in this ...
Discover MoreThe PROPER worksheet function allows you to change the case of text so that only the first letter of each word is ...
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.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here:
Comments