Answer

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

Remove a Drop-Down List from Selected Cells

A drop-down list exists because of a data validation rule.

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

2. Go to the Data tab on the ribbon.

3. Click Data Validation in the Data Tools group.

4. Select Data Validation from the dropdown menu.

5. Click Clear All.

6. Click OK.

The drop-down arrow disappears immediately, and the cell becomes a regular input cell.

Windows and MacBook Differences

• Windows: Data Validation is accessed from Data → Data Validation → Data Validation.

• MacBook: Data Validation is accessed from Data → Validation.

The function behavior is identical on both platforms.

How to remove a drop-down list but keep the existing values?

Yes. Clearing data validation removes the list but keeps the values already entered.

Excel separates validation rules from cell content. Removing the rule does not delete existing data.

1. Select the cells with the drop-down list.

2. Open Data Validation.

3. Click Clear All.

4. Click OK.

The values remain unchanged, and manual entry becomes possible.

How to remove a drop-down list from an entire column?

To remove a drop-down list from a column, clear data validation from the column range.

1. Click the column letter to select the entire column.

2. Open Data Validation.

3. Click Clear All.

4. Click OK.

This action removes the drop-down list from every cell in the column.

How to remove a drop-down list created from a table?

To remove a drop-down list generated by structured references, remove the validation rule from the table column.

1. Click any cell in the table column with the drop-down.

2. Select the entire table column.

3. Open Data Validation.

4. Click Clear All.

5. Click OK.

Table formatting remains intact after the drop-down list is removed.

How to remove a drop-down list but restrict empty cells?

To remove the list while keeping a restriction, replace the validation rule instead of clearing it.

1. Select the cells.

2. Open Data Validation.

3. Change Allow to Custom or Whole number, depending on the restriction needed.

4. Define the rule.

5. Click OK.

The drop-down list disappears, and validation control remains active.

How to remove a drop-down list from protected sheets?

No. Excel does not allow changes to data validation on protected sheets.

Unprotect the sheet first.

1. Go to the Review tab.

2. Click Unprotect Sheet.

3. Enter the password.

4. Remove the drop-down list using Data Validation.

5. Protect the sheet again if required.

How to remove a drop-down list copied across multiple cells?

To remove validation applied through copy actions, clear validation from the affected range.

1. Select the affected cells.

2. Open Data Validation.

3. Click Clear All.

4. Click OK.

This action removes validation without affecting formatting or formulas.

Why the drop-down arrow does not disappear after removal

A visible arrow remains because the cell is part of a table or uses form controls.

• Data Validation arrows disappear after clearing validation.

• Form Control drop-downs require deletion.

Remove a Form Control Drop-Down

1. Go to the Developer tab.

2. Click Design Mode.

3. Select the drop-down object.

4. Press Delete.

The control is removed permanently from the worksheet.

Key Facts About Drop-Down Lists in Excel

• Data Validation drop-downs are rule-based.

• Clearing validation removes the list instantly.

• Existing values stay unless manually deleted.

• Column-level removal affects all cells in the column.

• Protected sheets block validation edits.

• Form Control drop-downs are not data validation objects.

This approach follows Excel’s documented behavior and aligns with official spreadsheet validation standards.

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