To insert a drop-down list in Excel, follow these steps:

1. Prepare your list items
   • Type the items you want in the drop-down list in a column or row on your worksheet. You can also create a table for easier management and automatic updates

2. Select the cell(s) for the drop-down
   • Click the cell or select the range where you want the drop-down list to appear

3. Open Data Validation
   • Go to the Data tab on the Ribbon.
   • Click Data Validation in the Data Tools group

4. Set up the drop-down list
   • In the Data Validation dialog box, under the Settings tab, choose List from the Allow dropdown menu.
   • In the Source box, either:
     • Select the range of cells containing your list items (do not include the header), or
     • Type the items directly, separated by commas (e.g., Complete,In Progress,Status Unknown)

5. Optional settings
   • Check Ignore blank if you want to allow empty cells.
   • Make sure In-cell dropdown is checked to enable the drop-down arrow

 * You can also add input messages or error alerts on the respective tabs if desired

6. Confirm
   • Click OK to create the drop-down list

Now, when you click the cell, a drop-down arrow appears, letting you select from your predefined list

. If you want to edit or remove the drop-down later, select the cell(s) again, open Data Validation, and modify or clear the settings

. This method works in most Excel versions, including Microsoft 365, and is a great way to speed up data entry and reduce errors

. Summary:

• Data tab > Data Validation > Allow: List
• Source: select range or type items separated by commas
• Click OK

You get a clickable drop-down list in your chosen cells