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A drop-down list in Excel is a data validation control that restricts cell input to predefined values selected from a list.

How to delete a drop-down list in Excel?

To delete a drop-down list in Excel, remove the data validation rule applied to the cell or range.

Method 1: Delete a drop-down list using Data Validation

This method permanently removes the drop-down arrow and input restriction.

Steps (Windows)

1. Select the cell or range that contains the drop-down list.

2. Select the Data tab on the Ribbon.

3. Select Data Validation in the Data Tools group.

4. Select Clear All.

5. Select OK.

Steps (Mac)

1. Select the cell or range that contains the drop-down list.

2. Select the Data tab on the menu bar.

3. Select Data Validation.

4. Select Remove Validation.

5. Close the dialog.

Method 2: Delete a drop-down list from multiple cells at once

This method removes the same drop-down list applied across several cells.

Steps

1. Select all cells containing the drop-down list.

2. Open Data Validation from the Data tab.

3. Select Clear All or Remove Validation.

4. Confirm the action.

Method 3: Delete a drop-down list but keep existing values

This method removes the drop-down control while preserving entered data.

Steps

1. Select the drop-down cell or range.

2. Open Data Validation.

3. Select Clear All.

4. Select OK.

Existing cell values remain unchanged because data validation controls input behavior, not stored values.

Method 4: Delete a drop-down list created from a table or named range

This method addresses lists linked to structured sources.

Steps

1. Select the drop-down cell.

2. Open Data Validation.

3. Select Clear All.

4. Select OK.

5. Delete or edit the source list only when no other cells depend on it.

Common differences between Windows and Mac

1. Windows displays Clear All inside the Data Validation dialog.

2. Mac displays Remove Validation instead of Clear All.

3. Ribbon layout differs slightly, though command names remain consistent.

Important behaviors to understand

1. Deleting a drop-down list does not delete cell values.

2. Copying a cell without validation removes the drop-down.

3. Pasting formats restores validation rules.

Troubleshooting when the drop-down does not disappear

1. Select the correct cell range.

2. Check merged cells because validation applies only to the top-left cell.

3. Verify no worksheet protection is active before editing validation rules.

This process aligns with Excel’s official data validation behavior documented by Microsoft and follows spreadsheet integrity best practices.

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