WHY is Excel not updating editing from another device!!!

Question

All my files are in Onedrive and I can access them from any device.

I have a file that I use every day, in the office and at home. When I open it, I make sure I save before doing anything to make absolutely sure it updates.

But today I worked in the office, did loads on this file and now at home, it is not showing any changes whatsoever.

When I close, it says "Would you like to merge your changes with the latest updates on the server?" I say yes but then this 'Performing Cleanup' box pops up saying 'Excel is uploading your most recent changes. This may take a moment". But the gauge just goes on and on and nothing happens. Left it 10 minutes!!

When I open the file in Onedrive on the web browser, it has all the stuff I did. If I click 'Open in App' excel opens it but still no changes. How can that be if it's opening correctly from the Onedrive???

How do I fix this without having to go back into the office??????

Answer 1

Dear Jennifer,

Good day and thank you for posting this in the forum.

As you mentioned in your post, the issue is happening with your Excel App in your home laptop/PC.

In such case, I would like to suggest some steps that you can check like:

1. Try to clear the cache of the excel app.

Microsoft Office Upload Center - Microsoft Support

2. Try to sync-up your OneDrive in your windows. Sync files with OneDrive in Windows - Microsoft Support
3. Try closing your excel and try to restart your laptop too.

I would also like to ask if this particular excel file is only accessed by you or is it shared file with your colleagues?

Please note that my first response may not resolve your current situation immediately. But, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a specific guidance for your current query.

Appreciate your cooperation and your valuable time.

Answer 2

Thanks for your help

Others share the files but no one has gone near this one today.

I cleared the cache and I restarted my machine.

It is still not updating.

The only thing I haven't done is "to sync-up OneDrive in your windows. Sync files with OneDrive in Windows - Microsoft Support"

The last time I did that for another reason, I ended up with 2 folders in Windows Explorer which was very messy and confusing.

How do I avoid that?

And why is this in the first place? Before doing the cache and the reboot, I had opened another file that I had worked on and it opened with all new entries from the office.

Edit: I opened the file on another machine and it's showing the latest entries there.

Why and how do I fix this? I have done an office repair and I have now clicked the Sync button in the OneDrive.

I've just noticed that in Windows Explorer in the preview pain it IS SHOWING the latest version!!! But when I open it, it's back to this morning's version. REALYY!!

Answer 3

Dear Jennifer,

Thank you for the reply.

Regarding your inquiry, "The last time I did that for another reason, I ended up with 2 folders in Windows Explorer which was very messy and confusing.

How do I avoid that?" I would like you to check in your local drive if there are any previous files still present in the OneDrive folder (Window Explorer) and I would suggest copying these files to some another place just for a backup

as shown in the screenshot above the OneDrive folder can be of your personal and business account.

As for your 2 questions, I have sent you private message.

Note: Due to forum policy and to protect sensitive information, please share with me the information requested above under "View Private Messages".

Here are the steps to open "View Private Messages":

To view private messaging options> sign in to Microsoft Community, use the email account which you have used to post this thread information in Microsoft Community, > click your profile picture in the upper-right corner > select the My Profile option.

I'll wait for your next update on this in a private message. I will give you more information accordingly.

Appreciate your understanding and patience.

Answer 4

Thanks AJ RAJ

All other files are syncing correctly, so I decided to call Microsoft Support.

He tried a few things but couldn't figure it out but thankfully we did a work-around by downloading the updated file from OneDrive Online, then deleting the file from Onedrive in explorer and then copied the file back into that Onedrive folder.

So far so good.

I always want to know WHY these things happen and fix them but because it's work, I need to just move on

Many thanks.

Answer 5

Dear Jennifer,

I am happy that your issue has been resolved via a call and apologize for the inconvenience that has brought upon you.

Appreciate your cooperation and valuable time.