Excel is one of the most challenging tools to master, especially when working on complex projects and inputs. What may be more stressful than learning Excel shortcuts and tools is encountering errors on your Excel journey. For instance, you may have seen an Excel "Not enough system resources to display completely" error message and may not know how to resolve it.

If you're currently experiencing this issue, we're here to help. We'll dive deep into the meaning of this error message and some of the most reliable methods you can try to fix it.

In this article
    1. Close Unnecessary Programs in the Background
    2. Restart Your Device and Excel
    3. Reduce Workbook Size
    1. Repair Corrupted Excel Files
    2. Install the Latest Excel Updates
    3. Install the Latest Windows Updates
    4. Change the Default Printer
    5. Turn off Add-Ins in Safe Mode
    6. Turn off Preview and Details Panes

Causes of the "Not Enough System Resources to Display Completely" Error in Excel

Numerous issues may stand behind this error message in Excel. Let's check out some of them and their corresponding solutions.

CausesFixes
Too many open programs/apps on the desktop Close unnecessary programs in the background
Software bugsRestart your device and Excel
Large Excel files Reduce workbook size
File or data-specific issues Repair corrupted Excel files
An outdated Excel version Install the Latest Excel updates
An outdated Windows OSInstall the latest Windows updates
Default printer issues Change the default printer
Too many add-ins Turn off add-ins in safe mode
Preview/Details Pane consuming too many resourcesTurn off Preview and Details panes

Quick Fixes to Resolve the "Not Enough System Resources to Display Completely" Error

Now, let's check out some of the quickest solutions you can try to fix the "not enough system resources to display completely" Excel issue.

Close Unnecessary Programs in the Background

Excel will need all the resources it can get, so you should close unnecessary programs to avoid using too many resources on something you don't need. That will pave the way for Excel, making it work perfectly. Here's how to change your settings and prevent apps from running in the background:

  1. Open your Settings app.
    opening settings
  2. Search for Background apps in the search bar.
    opening background app settings
  3. Once you've opened these settings, find the Let apps run in the background option and turn it off.
    turning off background apps

Your Excel should run smoothly if program cluttering is causing the error message.

Restart Your Device and Excel

Restarting your device or the Excel program can help fix minor issues and bugs that have caused the "Not enough system resources to display completely" error message.

However, try another method if you're still experiencing issues after restarting the program and the device. This one may fix the problem for some time but not resolve the core issue.

You can restart Excel by opening and closing the program. If the program is unresponsive, follow the steps below:

  1. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open Task Manager.
    ctrl, shift, and esc keys
  2. Head to the Processes tab and select Microsoft Excel.
    selecting excel in task manager
  3. Click the End Task button.
    end task

After that, you can reopen your Excel to check whether the issue is still there. If it is, restart your device by following the steps below:

  1. Click the Start button on your desktop.
    windows start menu
  2. Click the Power icon.
    the power icon
  3. Choose Restart.
    restarting your device

After a few seconds, your device will restart, and you can launch your Excel to check for issues.

However, try another method if you’re still experiencing issues after restarting the program and the device. This one may fix the problem for some time but not resolve the core issue.

Reduce Workbook Size

Excel cannot support large files, so you may need to reduce workbook size to continue using this program. If you perform this method, you will also reduce the file size, freeing up space on your device for new Excel projects.

You can perform several actions to reduce the workbook size, such as lowering the image quality within your files. You can also opt for the default and original Excel format (Excel Binary Workbook). Go over your formulas, eliminate the unnecessary ones, and clear data formatting.

Advanced Troubleshooting Options

If the quick and straightforward solutions above don't do the trick, jump to the more advanced options below.

Repair Corrupted Excel Files

Issues with individual files can cause the whole Excel spreadsheet to act up. Thus, repair corrupted Excel files to eliminate problems and make everything as good as new.

However, manually inspecting and repairing individual files can take time and effort. If you don't have time, you may opt for reliable third-party software solutions like Wondershare Repairit. This advanced tool has numerous patented technologies, enabling the best repair journey.

You can deal with all sorts of file damage issues with the help of Wondershare Repairit. The best part is that it has AI-powered features, allowing you to enhance the quality of your files and make them better than before.

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No matter the type of file or damage scenario you may have experienced, Wondershare Repairit can help. You should always keep it by your side if things go wrong and your important files get corrupted.

Thus, head to the official Wondershare Repairit website, download the tool, and start your repair journey by following the steps below:

  1. Open Wondershare Repairit and click More Types Repair > File Repair.
    opening file repair
  2. Click the Add button to select the corrupted files, or drag and drop them into the program to start.
    adding corrupted excel files
  3. Click the Repair button.
    starting the repair process
  4. You can monitor the progress or go about your day while the software fixes your corrupted Excel files.
    the progress window
  5. The program will notify you as soon as the repair process is complete.
    files repaired successfully
  6. After that, you can preview the repaired files and select the ones to save. Click the Save button.
  7. Choose where to save the repaired files.
    choosing a file path

Instead of spending hours on your desktop trying to resolve the corruption issue, Wondershare Repairit will do everything for you in minutes.

Install the Latest Excel Updates

Using an outdated Excel version, you may experience numerous issues, such as lags, bugs, and error messages. Thus, to fix these problems, update your Excel and give it a fresh start. That will resolve minor issues with the platform, leaving you with a clean slate. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open Excel on your desktop.
    opening excel
  2. Click the Blank Workbook option.
    creating a blank workbook
  3. Click the File tab in the ribbon.
    the file tab
  4. Select Account in the left sidebar.
    opening excel account
  5. Go to Update Options > Office Updates.
    office updates
  6. If available, click Update Now to download the latest Excel version.
    update now

The update may take a few minutes, after which you should restart your device.

Install the Latest Windows Updates

Using the latest Windows version is crucial, as it can improve your device's performance and health. If you haven't updated your operating system, you may experience bugs, lags, and more significant issues, such as error messages, file corruption, etc.

As you may guess, an outdated Windows version can cause the "Not enough system resources to display completely" Excel issue. Thus, update your OS once a new version comes out to keep your device healthy and secure. Here's how to update your Windows:

  1. Open your Settings.
  2. opening settings
  3. Click Updates & Security.
  4. update and security
  5. If an update is available, click Update Now.

Change the Default Printer

When you launch Excel, it will instantly cling to the default printer. That may cause issues with Excel performance if the program connects to an unresponsive device or the device cannot handle the amount of data you input into the spreadsheets.

Thus, try changing your default printer to a virtual printer. Here's how:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Head to Devices.
    device settings
  3. Click Printers and Scanners.
    printers and scanners
  4. Untick the Let Windows manage my default printer checkbox.
    changing printer management
  5. Select a virtual printer and click Manage.
    manage a virtual printer
  6. Click Set as Default.
    set as default

Turn off Add-Ins in Safe Mode

Too many add-ins can drain your resources, leading to the "Not enough system resources to display completely" Excel message. To resolve this issue, remove the unnecessary add-ins from your Excel and leave room for the program to breathe.

You'll see that Excel's performance will improve if you make this move and clean your add-in clutter. You can follow these steps to turn off add-ins:

  1. Create a blank spreadsheet and go to File > Options > Add-ins.
    entering add-ins
  2. Click Go next to Manage in the following dialog box.
    manage add-ins
  3. Select the add-ins you want to turn off.
    selecting unwanted add-ins
  4. Click Remove > OK.

Turn off Preview and Details Panes

Preview and Details panes may be helpful features, but they are more resource-draining than beneficial. As mentioned above, Excel needs all the resources it can get to run smoothly and not present any error messages.

We advise you to turn these options off to eliminate the "Not enough system resources to display completely" Excel error. Follow these steps:

  1. Click the Start menu.
  2. Head to File Explorer.
    file explorer
  3. Select Organize > Layout.
  4. Uncheck Preview Pane and Details Pane.
    turning off preview and details panes

Conclusion

Excel can be a pain in the neck, especially if you encounter issues like error messages. Amid your stressful spreadsheet experience, the "Not enough system resources to display completely" error greets you, and you start panicking even more.

Don't worry if you're in such a situation. Try the best methods above to eliminate this annoying error message and continue your professional journey.

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Theo Lucia
Theo Lucia Dec 06, 24
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