Applies ToExcel for Microsoft 365 Excel 2024 Excel 2021 Excel 2019 Excel 2016

Flash Fill automatically fills your data when it senses a pattern. To use it, see Using Flash Fill. However, if you're on a Windows device, you may need to enable this feature before using it. 

  1. Click File > Options.

  2. Click the Advanced in the left pane, and ensure that the Automatically Flash Fill box is checked.

    Option to enable Flash Fill if it was turned off

  3. Click OK.

  4. Close and restart Excel.

Start Flash Fill manually

If you know that Flash Fill is enabled, but still doesn't work, then you can start it manually by clicking Data > Flash Fill or Home > Flash Fill. You can also press Ctrl+E on the keyboard.

Flash fill option on the ribbon

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You can always ask an expert in the Excel Tech Community or get support in Communities.

See Also

Training video: AutoFill and FlashFill

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