How To Fix "There Isn'T Enough Memory To Complete This Action" Error In Excel

Nov 23, 2024 · 10 min read

Hadwin Maverick

Editorial and Creative Lead

Encountering the "There Isn't Enough Memory to Complete This Action" error in Excel can be quite frustrating. 😩 This error typically arises when you're working with large datasets, or when other applications running on your computer consume a significant amount of RAM. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can adopt to troubleshoot and resolve this issue effectively. In this post, we’ll discuss helpful tips, shortcuts, and advanced techniques for fixing this error, along with common pitfalls to avoid.

Understanding the Error

The "There Isn't Enough Memory to Complete This Action" message can appear under various circumstances. Here are a few common situations that may lead to this error:

Large Files: Handling large Excel files with numerous formulas, charts, or data connections.
Add-ins: Running Excel add-ins that consume excessive memory.
System Resources: Not having enough physical or virtual memory available on your computer.
Excel Version: Using an older version of Excel may cause compatibility and memory issues.

Tips to Fix the Error

Close Unnecessary Applications: Before you begin troubleshooting Excel, check for other applications that may be consuming memory. Closing unused programs can free up RAM, allowing Excel to function more effectively.
Limit Data Range: If you’re working with large datasets, try to reduce the range of data in use. For instance, if your calculations or formulas don’t need to cover the entire dataset, restrict them to only the necessary rows and columns.
```
=SUM(A1:A100) ' Instead of =SUM(A:A)
```
Split Large Workbooks: If a workbook is exceedingly large, consider breaking it into smaller, more manageable pieces. This can reduce memory strain and improve performance.
Disable Add-ins: Some Excel add-ins can consume considerable memory. Disabling them may provide a quick fix to your memory issue. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to File > Options > Add-Ins.
- At the bottom, select COM Add-ins from the drop-down menu and click Go.
- Uncheck any add-ins you don’t need and click OK.
Clear Excel Cache: Sometimes, Excel's cache can lead to memory issues. Clearing it can resolve many common problems. Use the following steps:
- Close Excel.
- Navigate to the C:\Users\<Your_Username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Excel\ directory.
- Delete all the files in the folder.
Update Excel: An outdated version of Excel can contribute to various issues, including memory errors. Ensure you're running the latest version:
- Open Excel, go to File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.
Increase Virtual Memory: Adjusting your system’s virtual memory can also help. Here's how:
- Right-click on This PC or Computer, select Properties.
- Click on Advanced system settings.
- Under the Performance section, click Settings.
- Go to the Advanced tab, click Change under Virtual Memory.
- Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives, then set a custom size.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring System Requirements: Ensure your system meets Excel's requirements, especially for large datasets.
Not Regularly Saving Work: When dealing with large files, it's crucial to save your work frequently to avoid losing any progress due to unexpected crashes.
Working with Unsupported File Types: Avoid using file types that aren't fully compatible with Excel.

Troubleshooting Steps

If you still encounter issues after trying the above solutions, you may want to perform some additional troubleshooting:

Repair Office Installation: Sometimes the installation of Office may become corrupted. Repairing it can fix underlying issues. Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features, select Microsoft Office, and choose Change to find the repair options.
Run Excel in Safe Mode: Safe Mode can help diagnose issues. To open Excel in Safe Mode, press Ctrl while launching Excel. If it opens without error, an add-in or setting may be the culprit.

Real-Life Scenarios

Imagine you're working on a finance report containing thousands of rows of data. Each time you try to run a calculation or generate a chart, you face the memory error. By limiting your formulas to specific data ranges, disabling unnecessary add-ins, and maybe even breaking the report into sections, you can smooth out your workflow, ensuring you meet that deadline stress-free!

<div class="faq-section">

<div class="faq-container"> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why does Excel say there isn’t enough memory?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Excel indicates insufficient memory when the system's RAM is low or if the workbook is too large for Excel to process efficiently.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I increase memory for Excel?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>You can increase memory for Excel by closing other applications, limiting data ranges, and adjusting your computer’s virtual memory settings.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What should I do if disabling add-ins doesn’t work?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>If disabling add-ins doesn't resolve the issue, try repairing your Office installation or running Excel in Safe Mode to identify potential culprits.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

In summary, resolving the "There Isn't Enough Memory to Complete This Action" error in Excel requires a combination of good habits and smart strategies. Always be mindful of the size of your workbooks, the applications you're running, and keep your software updated. By following the outlined tips, you can mitigate memory issues and enjoy a smoother Excel experience. Remember to practice these techniques and explore more related tutorials to enhance your skills!

<p class="pro-note">🚀Pro Tip: Regularly saving your work and optimizing your spreadsheets can help you avoid memory errors in Excel.</p>