How Microsoft OneDrive Syncs Excel Files Between Devices: What You Need to Know

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Microsoft OneDrive is a popular cloud storage solution that allows users to access files from multiple devices. However, many users have questions about how file updates sync across devices, especially when working on shared documents such as Excel spreadsheets. In this article, we will address the scenario where an Excel file is updated on one device and how it behaves when accessed from another device, providing clarity on this topic.

How OneDrive Syncs Updated Files Across Devices

When you update a file on OneDrive (like an Excel spreadsheet) from one device, the changes are synced across all devices connected to the same OneDrive account. However, whether or not the changes are immediately visible on another device depends on how the file is accessed.

If someone is actively working on the same file from another device, the updated content may not appear instantly. They might need to refresh the file or close and reopen it to see the changes. This happens because OneDrive syncs in intervals and requires the file to be closed and reopened to reflect the latest updates.

How to Ensure Instant Updates in Shared Excel Files

If you want the changes to be visible right away to others using the same file, there are a few strategies:

  • Use Excel Online: By using Excel in OneDrive (Excel Online), updates made by one user are often reflected instantly on another user’s screen.
  • Save and Reopen: After editing a file, make sure to save it and ensure that the file is closed on the editing device. The person on the other device should then reopen the file to see the most recent changes.
  • Check Sync Status: In case you’re using the desktop version of Excel, check the sync status in OneDrive to ensure that all changes are uploaded properly.

Scenario: Updating an Excel File in a Shared Office

For example, if a schedule is maintained in an Excel file on OneDrive and is constantly displayed on a screen in your second office, changes made from the first office will be visible to others. However, to ensure that the second office sees the latest version immediately, it’s recommended to use Excel Online or manually refresh the file.

What to Do If the File Is Not Updating Automatically?

If the file is not updating as expected, check the following:

  • Ensure both devices are connected to the internet and synced to OneDrive properly.
  • Make sure that the file is saved and closed properly on the editing device.
  • Check if any sync issues are reported in OneDrive (such as errors or conflicts).

Summary: OneDrive File Syncing in Real-Time

In summary, when you update a file on OneDrive, the changes will be reflected across devices, but may not appear instantly unless the file is closed and reopened. For real-time updates, using Excel Online is the best solution. Always make sure that your OneDrive account is synced correctly and that the file is closed after editing for changes to appear on other devices.

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