Shared Teams File Not Showing Live Updates on Desktop App

Question

Hello,

I have a shared excel file in Teams that 12 people update. 2 individuals noticed that they cannot see live updates when they open that file on the desktop app. They can see live updates when they open the file in a browser or make edits directly in Teams. Why can't they see the live updates when they open the file on the desktop app?

Thanks you

German

Answer 1

Hi German, 

Thank you for reaching out. 

The issue could happen when the desktop app isn't fully connected to the cloud copy of the file. Live co-authoring only works in real time when both AutoSave and connected experiences are turned on, which is what makes changes appear within seconds, just like in the browser and in Teams. 

Could you ask both individuals to check the following in Excel on their desktop: 

1. Turn on AutoSave 

• Open the shared workbook from Teams or the browser using Open in Desktop App, rather than double-clicking a downloaded or synced copy.
• Once the file is open, look at the top-left corner of the Excel window and switch AutoSave to On. 

 

• If AutoSave is greyed out or won't stay on, it usually means the file wasn't opened from the cloud location, and reopening it from Teams or the browser resolves this. 

2. Turn on connected experiences 

• Go to File > Account, and under Account Privacy select Manage Settings.  

 

• Make sure the option for optional connected experiences is enabled, then select OK. 

 

Once AutoSave and connected experiences are on and the file is opened from the cloud location, they should start seeing everyone's edits live. 

I hope this information is helpful. Please follow the steps above and let me know if it works for you. If not, we can continue working together to resolve the issue.  

If you found the response useful, please consider marking it as accepted, as this may help other community members who are looking for similar guidance.  

Thank you for your patience and understanding. I look forward to continuing the conversation.

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