MS Excel not updating automatically

Question

1. So recently you might be aware that the MS forms that are linked with Excel sheet is not getting updated automatically unless we manually open the sheet in Sharepoint.
2. The workaround was to create a Power Automate flow where we can get response detail and add a row in Excel. I tried creating the flow, the flow is working fine but the sheet is not getting updated unless we open it
3. I have created a new form to test but having the same issue.

In short, the Excel sheet linked to MS Form is not getting updated either by creating forms or by creating Power Automate.

 

Do you have any insights regarding this?

Answer 1

Hi Punit Patnaik,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A.

You are correct that Excel files linked to Microsoft Forms no longer update automatically unless the file is opened manually. Power Automate can help, but only under specific conditions:

• The flow should use the trigger “When a new response is submitted” from Microsoft Forms.
• It should include actions like “Get response details” and “Add a row into a table” using the Excel Online (Business) connector.
• The Excel file must be stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, and the target range must be formatted as a table.

However, even with this setup, there are limitations:

• The Excel file may not visibly update until it is opened manually. This appears to be due to how Excel Online and SharePoint handle background updates.
• Manual edits to the Excel file, such as adding formulas or modifying the table structure, can interfere with the flow.
• If the file is locked, protected, or corrupted, updates may silently fail.

Additional suggestions:

• Try syncing to a new workbook if the current one has been modified or is experiencing issues.
• Avoid editing the Excel file outside of Power Automate.
• Consider using a service account to run the flow for improved reliability.

Microsoft has acknowledged this behavior and recommends Power Automate as a workaround, but it does not fully restore the previous automatic sync experience. If you have already followed the correct setup and are still seeing delays, opening the file manually may remain necessary for now.

Also, you might find this article helpful: Setting Up an Automated Workflow Between Microsoft Forms and Excel Through Power Automate

I hope this helps clarifying things.

Best regards,

Thomas

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