How to Remove Data Validation in Excel

If you work with Excel, you know that the data validation feature can be an extremely useful tool for ensuring the correctness and accuracy of your data entries. However, there may come a time when you need to remove data validation from certain cells or the entire worksheet altogether. This may seem like a daunting task, particularly if you are new to Excel or have never dealt with data validation before. Fortunately, removing data validation is a relatively simple process that can be accomplished in just a few steps. In this blog post, we provide you with a clear and concise guide on how to remove data validation in Excel.

Step 1: Select the Cells

The first step to removing data validation in Excel is to select the cells from which you want to remove the validation. You can do this by clicking on the cell or dragging your cursor over multiple cells. Alternatively, if you want to remove data validation from the entire worksheet, you can simply click on the “Select All” button at the top left of the worksheet (the button with the triangle pointing downwards and to the right).

Step 2: Click on ‘Data Validation’

Once you have selected the cells you want to remove data validation from, click on the “Data Validation” button in the “Data” tab on the ribbon menu. This will open the Data Validation dialog box.

Step 3: Click on the ‘Settings’ tab

From the Data Validation dialog box, click on the “Settings” tab. Here you will see a number of options related to data validation such as allowed values, input messages, and error alerts.

Step 4: Remove Data Validation Criteria

To remove data validation criteria, simply select “Any value” from the “Allow” drop-down menu. This will remove the validation criteria and allow any data to be entered into the selected cells.

Step 5: Click OK

Once you have removed the data validation criteria, click on the “OK” button in the Data Validation dialog box. This will close the dialog box and remove the validation from the cells you selected.

Removing Data Validation from Multiple Cells

If you want to remove data validation from multiple cells at once, follow the steps above for each group of cells. Alternatively, you can hold down the “Ctrl” key and click on each cell to select them individually.

Removing Data Validation from Entire Columns or Rows

If you want to remove data validation from an entire column or row, select the first cell in the column or row that has data validation, then drag your cursor to highlight the entire column or row. Follow the steps above to remove data validation criteria as usual.

Final Thoughts

Removing data validation in Excel is a simple and straightforward process that can come in handy when you need to edit your spreadsheet or change your validation criteria. With just a few clicks, you can remove data validation from individual cells, entire rows or columns, or your entire worksheet, giving you more flexibility and control over your data.

Quick Tips for Working with Data Validation in Excel

Data validation is a powerful tool that can prevent errors and save you time when working with Excel spreadsheets. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using data validation:

• Keep validation criteria simple and easy to understand.
• Create input messages and error alerts to guide users and provide feedback.
• Use named ranges instead of cell references for validation criteria to make your spreadsheet more structured and easier to navigate.
• Test your data validation rules thoroughly to make sure they work as intended.

Additional Resources for Learning Excel

If you want to learn more about working with Excel, there are a number of resources available online that can help you improve your skills and increase your productivity. Here are a few of our recommendations:

• Microsoft Office Support: Getting started with Excel 2019
• Excel Easy: a comprehensive guide to Excel with tutorials and examples.
• ExcelIsFun on YouTube: a channel dedicated to teaching Excel with over 2,000 videos covering everything from beginner to advanced techniques.

Removing data validation in Excel is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. Whether you need to edit your data or change your validation criteria, keeping these steps in mind can help you modify your data validation settings quickly and easily.

Remember to keep your validation criteria simple, use input messages and error alerts, and test your data validation rules thoroughly to avoid errors and streamline your workflow. By following these best practices, you can use data validation to improve the accuracy and efficiency of your Excel spreadsheets.

FAQs About Removing Data Validation in Excel

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers related to removing data validation in Excel:

1. Can I remove data validation from multiple cells at once?

Yes, you can remove data validation from multiple cells at once by selecting all the cells you want to remove validation from and following the same steps outlined in this blog post.

2. What happens to the data that was previously entered with data validation when it’s removed?

Removing data validation from a cell allows any type of data to be entered into that cell, including data that may not have been allowed by the previous validation criteria. If you want to validate the data again, you will need to create a new validation rule.

3. Can I remove data validation from an entire worksheet?

Yes, you can remove data validation from an entire worksheet by selecting all the cells in the worksheet (click on the “Select All” button at the top left of the worksheet) and following the same steps outlined in this blog post.

4. Can I undo data validation if I change my mind?

Yes, you can undo data validation by pressing “Ctrl” + “Z” on your keyboard immediately after removing the validation criteria. If you have saved and closed the workbook, you can still undo the changes by using the Undo button in the Quick Access Toolbar.

5. Can I still use data validation after removing it?

Yes, you can still create new validation criteria and apply them to the cells you want to validate, even if you have removed data validation from those cells previously.