**Microsoft Excel Update Causes Copy and Paste Chaos for Some Users**
A recent Office security update has left some Microsoft Excel users struggling with basic functions like copy and paste. The KB5002914 update, released as part of this week’s Patch Tuesday, appears to have broken copying and pasting data in Excel 2016, as well as formula dragging. Affected users report that the problem occurs on both MSI-based and Click-to-Run installations of Office, spanning versions from 2016 to 2024.
The issue has been reported by multiple users across various platforms, including Reddit and Microsoft’s Q&A forums. Some users claim that after installing the update, their Excel copy-and-paste functionality ceased to work altogether. The problem is not limited to a single version or installation type; reports suggest it affects both MSI-based Office Standard 2021 and Click-to-Run installations.
BleepingComputer tested an affected system with Excel 2019 Version 2508 (Build 19127.20302) on a Click-to-Run setup, but was unable to reproduce the reported issues with copy-and-paste or autofill. However, users who have been impacted by the problem report that removing or rolling back the update restores normal functionality.
For those affected by the issue, there are several workarounds being shared online. One user reported success in resolving the problem using a PowerShell command to uninstall the KB5002914 update from an MSI-based installation. Another workaround involves downgrading the Office build using XML or Group Policy for Click-to-Run installations. However, BleepingComputer notes that replacing individual Office binaries with files from an older version may cause compatibility issues and is not recommended.
Microsoft has yet to acknowledge this issue or provide official workarounds. We will update this story if we receive a response from the company. For now, affected users are advised to exercise caution when installing updates and consider rolling back or removing the KB5002914 update until further notice.
**Takeaway:** If you’re experiencing issues with copy-and-paste in Excel after installing the KB5002914 update, try uninstalling the update or downgrading your Office build using XML or Group Policy. Be cautious of workarounds involving individual binary replacements, as they may lead to compatibility problems.
Source: Bleeping Computer — 2026-09-10