I’m preparing an Excel workbook for multiple users.

• Data is in Tables (ListObjects).
• Some columns use Data Validation.
• Users paste data (Ctrl+V), which removes the validation in the target cells.

Constraints:

• I can’t enforce “Paste values only.”
• I can’t rely on macros (many users disable them).
• Users must be able to insert rows.

Question: Is there any built-in, non‑VBA way to prevent paste operations from removing Data Validation, while still allowing users to insert rows?

What I’ve tried:

• Applied Data Validation to entire table columns so new rows inherit it.
• Protected the sheet and allowed: Insert rows, Delete rows, Sort, Use AutoFilter, Edit objects. Cells that users fill are unlocked.

Observed: Pasting still removes validation. With sheet protection users cannot insert rows, even though i allowed it.

System: Windows 11 and Office 365

I am grateful for your help!

I’m preparing an Excel workbook for multiple users.

• Data is in Tables (ListObjects).
• Some columns use Data Validation.
• Users paste data (Ctrl+V), which removes the validation in the target cells.

Constraints:

• I can’t enforce “Paste values only.”
• I can’t rely on macros (many users disable them).
• Users must be able to insert rows.

Question: Is there any built-in, non‑VBA way to prevent paste operations from removing Data Validation, while still allowing users to insert rows?

What I’ve tried:

• Applied Data Validation to entire table columns so new rows inherit it.
• Protected the sheet and allowed: Insert rows, Delete rows, Sort, Use AutoFilter, Edit objects. Cells that users fill are unlocked.

Observed: Pasting still removes validation. With sheet protection users cannot insert rows, even though I allowed it.

System: Windows 11 and Office 365

I am grateful for your help!

I’m preparing an Excel workbook for multiple users.

• Data is in Tables (ListObjects).
• Some columns use Data Validation.
• Users paste data (Ctrl+V), which removes the validation in the target cells.

Constraints:

• I can’t enforce “Paste values only.”
• I can’t rely on macros (many users disable them).
• Users must be able to insert rows. Question: Is there any built-in, non‑VBA way to prevent paste operations from removing Data Validation, while still allowing users to insert rows?

What I’ve tried:

• Applied Data Validation to entire table columns so new rows inherit it.
• Protected the sheet and allowed: Insert rows, Delete rows, Sort, Use AutoFilter, Edit objects. Cells that users fill are unlocked.

Observed: Pasting still removes validation. With sheet protection users cannot insert rows, even though i allowed it.

System: Windows 11 and Office 365

I am grateful for your help!

I’m preparing an Excel workbook for multiple users.

• Data is in Tables (ListObjects).
• Some columns use Data Validation.
• Users paste data (Ctrl+V), which removes the validation in the target cells.

Constraints:

• I can’t enforce “Paste values only.”
• I can’t rely on macros (many users disable them).
• Users must be able to insert rows.

Question: Is there any built-in, non‑VBA way to prevent paste operations from removing Data Validation, while still allowing users to insert rows?

What I’ve tried:

• Applied Data Validation to entire table columns so new rows inherit it.
• Protected the sheet and allowed: Insert rows, Delete rows, Sort, Use AutoFilter, Edit objects. Cells that users fill are unlocked.

Observed: Pasting still removes validation. With sheet protection users cannot insert rows, even though i allowed it.

System: Windows 11 and Office 365

I am grateful for your help!