Fix: “Retrieving Data, Wait a Few Seconds” Error in MS Excel

Microsoft Excel is the most commonly used commercial spreadsheet software for analyzing data, reporting, and charting.

But sometimes, it gives its users an annoying error that simply says: “Retrieving data, wait a few seconds,” — and it just sits there, not really retrieving the data.

This error can be quite common when using Power Query, PivotTables, or external data connections to SharePoint, SQL Server, or web APIs, for example.

In this post, we will explain in detail all that you need to do to diagnose and resolve the “Retrieving Data, wait a few seconds” error in MS Excel. We’ll explore several causes, convenient fixes, and pro tips for using Excel more smoothly.

What Causes the “Retrieving Data, Wait a Few Seconds” Error in Excel?

This error typically occurs when Excel cannot finish a data-fetch operation. It attempts to fetch data from one of our data sources (SharePoint, Power BI, SQL Server, web API), but the connection is slow or does not respond.

Possible causes include:

• Unstable or slow internet connection
• Large dataset or inefficient Power Query
• Temporary issue with Microsoft’s servers (Excel Online)
• Permissions or credentials issue
• Corrupt Excel file
• Background refresh settings are turned off
• A firewall or antivirus blocking the connection

Methods to Fix Retrieving data, wait a few seconds MS Excel Error

Below are some efficient and easy ways you can use to tackle the “Retrieving Data” error in Excel:

1. Make Sure Your Internet is Working Smoothly

If the code of Excel fetches data from an online medium, then it is possible that the internet has stopped working or the connection to the internet is not up to the mark.

Run a fast speed test, or visit some websites to verify that your connection is active and stable.

If you’re on Wi-Fi, see if you can switch to a wired connection or restart or rejoin the network.

2. Confirm the Source of Data is Accessible

Whether you are connecting Excel to a web page, SQL server, or another spreadsheet, make sure that the source is online and responding.

Try reading the news at the original source or ping the server to make sure the server is up. If it’s on a network drive, do you have access to the data?

3. Limit the Amount of Data Being Pulled

Large volumes of data may hinder or entirely prevent the retrieval. Don’t extract everything in one go; try filtering or importing only mandatory columns/rows.

If you all need it, split the data up into smaller boxes or aggregate it before loading it up into Excel.

4. Turn Off Unnecessary Add-Ins

A few Excel add-ins can cause issues with loading data if they are outdated or don’t work well with Power Query. Try disabling all of your add-ins first and see if that fixes the issue.

See if Excel has returned to normal, and if so, enable them one by one to identify which one is allowing the issue to occur.

Limit yourself to what you need for a performance gain. Here is what you need to do:

1. Initially, go to File > Options.
2. Click on Add-ins.
3. Under Manage, select COM Add-ins, and then click Go.

4. Uncheck any add-ins you don’t want and click OK.

5. Adjust Excel Settings for Better Compatibility

Some hidden settings in Excel may be the reason for this. From the settings menu, check that Excel isn’t blocking other programs from sending data.

This minor alteration can enhance how Excel talks to external apps and data sources. To do this:

1. Go to File > Options.
2. Select Advanced.
3. On the General tab, click to select the Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) check box.

6. Keep Excel Up-to-Date

Older versions of Excel may have bugs that can cause problems like this one. Check if there are some pending updates of the windows; if yes, run them.

If the problem still remains after the update, you can try the integrated repair utility to resolve possible installation issues. To update it:

1. Open any Office app (like Excel).
2. Go to File > Account.
3. Click the Update Options button, and then click Update Now.

If updating doesn’t work, you could try repairing Office:

• You will find it in the control panel under Programs, Programs and Features.
• Choose your installation of Microsoft Office.
• Click Change, and then click Repair.

7. Clear Out Excel’s Temporary Files

Inaccurate temporary files or cache files might interfere with Excel’s data fetching. Try to close Excel and blow away the temp or cache folder of it.

When you reopen the app, Excel will create new system files, and this could be enough to resolve the issue. To do this:

1. Initially, close Excel.
2. Open File Explorer and go to %appdata%\Microsoft\Excel.
3. Remove the XLSTART folder (Excel will recreate it when necessary).

Advanced Fixes for Enterprise or IT Users

If none of the basic remedies has helped, here are a couple of more advanced approaches to consider.

A. Check Firewall or Proxy Settings

If you are on a corporate network:

• Ask IT to whitelist Excel services or Power BI endpoints.
• Looks at the proxy setting in Internet Options > Connection > LAN Settings.

B. Repair Excel

Corrupt installations can cause unexpected errors.

How to repair:

• Navigate to Control Panel > Programs > Microsoft Office.
• Click Change > Select Quick Repair or Online Repair.
• Restart your computer.

C. Change Query Timeout

Power Query has its timeout defaults. How to extend timeout:

• Open Power Query Editor.
• Click on the gear icon next to the source step.
• After that, go to Advanced options > Increase timeout (300 -or- 600 seconds).

Preventing the Error in Future Workbooks

To prevent this mistake from recurring, use the following approaches:

• Keep Excel updated regularly.
• Don’t send large datasets unless they have been filtered or optimized.
• Always use “Close & Load to”> Connection only unless you want the output table/s.
• Save Excel files. XLSX or. XLSM formats – Steer clear of legacy formats – for example. xls.
• Don’t open Excel files on slow network drives or unreliable cloud storage.
• Keep data hygiene – no dead links, renamed files or old sources.
• If you are using Power BI datasets, confirm that the access tokens and the sign-ins are correct.

Conclusion

In most cases, the “retrieving data, wait a few seconds” error in Excel is triggered by a laggy internet connection, software that hasn’t been updated, or burdensome queries.

Although frustrating, most of the issues can be resolved by refreshing the data, updating Excel, or clearing the cache or queries.

Best practices such as truncation of data load, as well as having Excel up to date, can help to mitigate this issue going forward. You can tweak a few things to get Excel running smoothly again.