How to Fix ‘Excel Cannot Complete This Task with Available Resources’ Errors

Hey there! So you’re in a bit of a pickle. You’re rushing to update a complicated Excel spreadsheet, with a deadline looming and a boss giving you the evil eye. And then, bam! You see the dreaded message: ‘Excel cannot complete this task with available resources. Choose less data or close other applications.’ Ugh, what now?

Don’t panic just yet. This error might be annoying, but it’s not impossible to overcome. You might encounter it when opening or saving an Excel file, when opening a spreadsheet that has links to other spreadsheets, or when dealing with complex macros or specific formulas.

Now, here’s the interesting thing about this error: unlike other Microsoft errors, its wording actually gives you a clue about what’s happening. See, the key is the term ‘available resources’. Excel thinks that you don’t have enough system resources to do what you’re asking it to do. So the first step is to check if that’s true.

How to Fix ‘Excel Cannot Complete This Task with Available Resources’ Errors

Unfortunately, when using 32-bit Excel, I can only access 2GB of RAM. That might sound like a lot, but it can quickly get used up by complex spreadsheets. On the other hand, 64-bit Excel can access much more memory. So, if you have the option, I highly recommend using the 64-bit version. However, I understand that at work, you may not have a choice. But it’s worth suggesting if you frequently encounter the ‘Excel cannot complete this task with available resources’ error.

Now, let’s start by checking what system resources are currently in use and what’s available for use.

1. First, right-click on the Task Bar (if you’re using Windows 10) and select Task Manager.
2. In the Task Manager, go to the Performance tab. Here, you can see how much of your CPU and Memory resources are being utilized. It’s likely that one of them will have a high utilization rate.
   
3. To free up some resources, close as many applications as possible. Keep only Excel running, until the specific operation you’re trying to perform in your spreadsheet works smoothly.
   
4. Next, go to the Processes tab in Task Manager, right-click on any programs that you can temporarily do without, and select End Task. This will further free up resources.
   
5. Check the Performance tab in Task Manager again, and you should notice a decrease in resource utilization.
   
6. Now, try repeating the operation you were attempting in Excel.

In most cases, freeing up system resources will resolve the ‘Excel cannot complete this task with available resources’ error. However, if the problem persists, you may need to reconsider how you’re using Excel. Here are a few things to consider:

• To make the operation easier, I suggest breaking it down into smaller steps.
• While working on the spreadsheet, remove any formatting until you’re done. Don’t worry, you can always reformat it later.
• When you encounter performance issues, try stopping automatic calculation and switch it to manual. Simply click on File, Options, Formulas, and select Manual under Calculation. Don’t forget, you can always switch it back after the operation is complete.
• Before giving it another try, save all your work and reboot your computer.

If you’re working from home and have control of your computer, it’s a good idea to use 64-bit versions of products, whenever available. They are more efficient with newer computers and can handle larger amounts of memory. If you often see ‘Excel cannot complete this task with available resources’ errors, it might be worth considering adding more RAM. Every computer can benefit from more memory!