Enable Flash Fill in Excel

Applies To
Excel for Microsoft 365 Excel 2024 Excel 2021

Flash Fill automatically fills your data when it senses a pattern. To use it, see Using Flash Fill in Excel. However, if you're on a Windows device, you might need to enable this feature before using it. 

  1. Select File > Options.
  2. Select Advanced in the left pane, and ensure that the Automatically Flash Fill box is checked.
    Screenshot that shows the option to enable Automatically Flash Fill if it was turned off.
  3. Select OK.
  4. Close and restart Excel.

Start Flash Fill manually

If you know that Flash Fill is enabled but it still doesn't work, you can start it manually by selecting Data > Flash Fill. You can also press Ctrl+E on the keyboard.

Screenshot that shows the Flash fill option on the ribbon.

Need more help?

You can always ask an expert in the Excel Tech Community or get support in Communities.