You see the #GETTING_DATA message in your Excel cells, and it stays there for minutes or never goes away. This happens when Excel is trying to pull data from an external source like a database or web query. The connection is either too slow, broken, or blocked. This article explains why the data refresh gets stuck and provides steps to fix it.
Key Takeaways: Fixing Stuck #GETTING_DATA Errors
- Data > Queries & Connections > Refresh All: Manually refresh all connections and check the status bar for progress.
- Data > Queries & Connections > Properties > Refresh every X minutes: Disable background refresh to prevent automatic queries from hanging.
- File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > External Content: Enable data connections to allow Excel to access the external source.
Why #GETTING_DATA Stays in Your Cells
The #GETTING_DATA placeholder appears when a cell contains a dynamic data query. Excel shows it while fetching information from an external server, database, or web page. The message fails to clear when the refresh process hangs. This is typically a performance or permission issue, not a formula error.
Common causes include a slow network connection, an overloaded data server, or a query that is too large. Excel will wait indefinitely for a response. Security settings in the Trust Center can also block the connection entirely. The application cannot proceed until the query finishes or is cancelled.
How Linked Data Types and Power Query Cause Delays
Stocks and Geography linked data types constantly pull live information. Power Query connections can import massive datasets. If the online service is unavailable or your query filters are too broad, the refresh will stall. These features run in the background, which can make the hang less obvious until you see the persistent #GETTING_DATA tag.
Steps to Clear the #GETTING_DATA Message
Follow these steps to stop the hanging refresh and retrieve your data or clear the error.
- Cancel the current refresh operation
Press the Escape key on your keyboard. Look at the status bar at the bottom of the Excel window. If it says “Running background query…” or shows a refresh icon, pressing Escape may stop it. This is the fastest way to interrupt a stuck query. - Manually refresh the specific connection
Go to the Data tab on the ribbon. Click Queries & Connections to open the pane. Find the query that is running. Right-click on it and select Refresh. This lets you refresh one source instead of all, which is easier for Excel to manage. - Disable background refresh for the query
In the Queries & Connections pane, right-click the problematic query and choose Properties. In the dialog box, uncheck the box for “Enable background refresh.” Click OK. This forces the query to run in the foreground, so you will see a progress dialog and can cancel it if it hangs. - Check and adjust external content security settings
Go to File > Options > Trust Center. Click the Trust Center Settings button. Select External Content on the left. Under Security settings for Data Connections, select “Enable all Data Connections.” Under Security settings for Workbook Links, select “Enable automatic update for all Workbook Links.” Click OK twice to save. - Review and edit the query definition
In the Queries & Connections pane, right-click the query and select Edit. The Power Query Editor will open. Look for steps that might pull too much data, like a very large table or an unfiltered source. Apply filters to reduce the data volume. Close the editor and load the changes.
If #GETTING_DATA Still Won’t Clear
Excel is Frozen on “Running Background Query”
If Excel is completely unresponsive, force quit the application. On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Escape to open Task Manager. Find Microsoft Excel in the list, select it, and click End Task. Reopen Excel. Before opening your workbook, go to File > Options > Advanced. Scroll to the General section and check “Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE).” This can prevent some external call conflicts.
Data Source Requires Updated Login Credentials
The connection might be failing due to an expired password. Go to Data > Get Data > Data Source Settings. In the dialog, select the source for your stuck query and click Edit Permissions. Update the authentication method or re-enter your username and password. Test the connection before closing the settings.
Query References a Moved or Deleted File
For queries linked to another Excel file or CSV, the source path may be broken. Edit the query in Power Query Editor. Look at the Source step in the Applied Steps pane. The formula bar will show the file path. Update the path to the correct location of the source file.
Manual Refresh vs. Background Refresh: Key Differences
| Item | Manual Refresh | Background Refresh |
|---|---|---|
| User Control | You initiate refresh with a button | Excel refreshes automatically at set intervals |
| Excel Responsiveness | Excel may be slow until refresh completes | You can keep working while data updates |
| Risk of #GETTING_DATA | Lower risk, as you see the progress dialog | Higher risk, as hangs occur silently in the background |
| Best For | Large queries or unstable data sources | Small, reliable queries that need frequent updates |
First, cancel any hanging query with the Escape key. You can now manage connections through the Queries & Connections pane. For persistent issues, edit the query in Power Query to reduce its data load. A key advanced tip is to use Data > Get & Transform Data > Show Queries to manage all Power Query connections from a single window, which helps identify the slowest one.