Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again Error

The Microsoft 365 Excel is a powerful tool for data management, but it can sometimes present users with errors that disrupt workflow. One such error is the 'Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again' message, which can be particularly frustrating when trying to transfer data from the Excel Web application to the desktop application or another application. There could be several root causes of this error and you may have to try a couple of solutions to resolve it.

What Causes the 'Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again' Error?

Data Synchronization Issues: The Core Problem

The primary cause of the 'Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again' error lies in how the Microsoft 365 Excel handles data synchronization. Unlike earlier versions of the Microsoft Office apps, which were designed for offline use, the Excel Web application constantly syncs data with the server to ensure that any changes you make are saved in real-time. When you copy or cut data in the Excel Web application, the data must go through a validation process where Excel checks it against the online version. If the synchronization process is delayed or interrupted—due to a slow Internet connection or server issues—the validation fails and the error message appears.

Corrupted or Unavailable Data

Another possible cause of this error is corrupted or unavailable data, which can happen if your Internet connection is unstable or the data becomes corrupted during the copy process. When Excel cannot retrieve or validate the data due to these issues, it prompts you to wait and try again.

Ensure a Stable Internet Connection

Given that this error is closely tied to data synchronization, a fast and stable Internet connection is crucial. If you're experiencing this error frequently, start by checking your internet connection. If possible, try a wired connection or moving closer to your router to improve stability. For more tips, you can refer to guides on improving internet speed and stability.

Close and Reopen the Excel File

Since the Excel Web application continuously saves data online, sometimes simply closing and reopening the spreadsheet can resolve minor sync issues. Try this quick fix before attempting more involved solutions.

Try a Different Web Browser

Some users report that this error occurs more frequently when using browsers like Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer. If you're encountering this issue often, try switching to another browser, such as Chrome or Firefox, which may handle the data synchronization process more effectively.

Effective Methods to Resolve the Error

Method 1: Deselect and Reattempt the Copy-Paste Action

If this error doesn't occur frequently, the simplest solution might be to follow the suggestion in the error message itself—deselect the data, wait a few seconds, and then copy and paste it again.

• Open your spreadsheet in the Excel Web application.
• Deselect the data you want to copy, and wait a few moments.
• Reselect the data, right-click it, and select 'Copy,' or use the Ctrl+C keyboard shortcut.
• Paste the data into your desired application using either the right-click menu or the Ctrl+V shortcut.

This method may not address the root cause of the issue, but it can be a quick workaround if the error is infrequent.

Method 2: Download and Open the Spreadsheet with Excel Desktop Application

If the error persists, a more reliable solution is to download the spreadsheet and work with it in the Excel desktop app, which doesn't rely on real-time synchronization with an online server.

• Open the Excel spreadsheet in your Web application.
• Click 'File,' then select 'Save As' and choose 'Download a Copy.'
• Once the file is downloaded, open it in the Excel desktop application .

By working in the desktop environment, you avoid the synchronization issues that can trigger the error in the Web application.

Method 3: Clear Your Browser's Cookies and Cache

Temporary data stored in your browser, such as cookies and cache, can sometimes interfere with data retrieval processes in Web applications. Clearing this data can help resolve the 'Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again' error by forcing your browser to fetch fresh data from the Excel Web application.

• Open your browser and go to the settings menu.
• Navigate to the privacy or history section and find the option to clear browsing data.
• Ensure that cookies and cached images and files are selected, then proceed to clear the data.
• After clearing your browser's cache and cookies, reload your Excel Web application and try copying the data again.

The 'Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again' error in Microsoft 365 Excel can be a frustrating hurdle, but understanding its triggers and applying the right solutions can help you overcome it. Whether it's a simple copy-paste retry, switching to the desktop app, or clearing your browser's cache, these methods should help restore your workflow and prevent future disruptions.