Excel: may stop or close when using the new Microsoft IME in Windows 11

Summary

Apps such as Excel for Microsoft 365 may show an error, stop responding or close when the Microsoft Input Method Editor (IME) for Chinese or Japanese is used. Microsoft confirms the issue and lists a workaround: switch to the previous IME version.

Symptoms

An error message appears, or the app stops responding or closes when you drag with the mouse while using the Microsoft IME for Chinese or Japanese.

Affected

• Excel for Microsoft 365 on Windows 11
• Microsoft IME for Chinese and Japanese: Japanese IME, Simplified Chinese Pinyin and Wubi, Traditional Chinese Bopomofo, ChangJie and Quick

Workaround

1. Select Start, type "Settings" and press Enter.
2. Type "IME" into the search box and select Edit Language and Keyboard Settings.
3. Choose your input language and open the options for that language.
4. Open the IME settings for your language (Microsoft Japanese IME, Simplified Chinese Microsoft Pinyin or Wubi IME, Traditional Chinese Microsoft Bopomofo, ChangJie or Quick IME).
5. Select General.
6. In the Compatibility section, turn on "Use previous version of Microsoft IME".

Microsoft does not recommend this setting for the long term, only as a temporary workaround.

Fix

Not fixed yet. The source names no fix.

Recommendation

Enable the compatibility setting only for affected users of the Chinese or Japanese IME and treat it as temporary. Check for newer Windows and Office updates and review the Microsoft article regularly for a fix.

Sources

• Excel may stop or close when using new IME in Windows 11 Vendor · support.microsoft.com

Compiled from the sources listed and translated with AI (Claude); status and dates come from the vendor. The vendor’s statements are authoritative. Updated 1 Nov 2026, 18:20.