Automatically Update an Excel Workbook from Google Drive on a Display Computer
Question details
Keep a macro-enabled Excel workbook on a display computer updated automatically when multiple users save changes to the same workbook through Google Drive.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel workbook stored in Google Drive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Multiple users edit and save a shared macro-enabled workbook, while a separate display computer needs the latest saved version.
- Observed behavior
- The display computer needs to download updated workbook versions automatically without creating sync conflicts, file-lock issues, or macro-related problems.
Install Google Drive for desktop on the display computer and confirm that the shared workbook folder is available for local synchronization. Decide which users are allowed to edit the workbook, because concurrent edits to the same macro-enabled file can create conflicting copies.
Synchronize the Excel workbook folder with Google Drive for desktop
Use this method when the display computer needs a local workbook file that Google Drive updates after other users save changes.
Google Drive for desktop keeps a local folder synchronized with the version stored in Google Drive. Open the workbook from the synchronized local folder on the display computer so that newly uploaded versions can download automatically when the file is not locked.
On the display computer, install Google Drive for desktop and sign in with the Google account that has access to the shared workbook folder.
In Google Drive for desktop settings, select the shared folder containing the workbook and configure it to sync or make it available offline on the display computer.
In File Explorer or Finder, open the workbook from the Google Drive synchronized folder, not from a browser download or a separate local copy.
Select the Google Drive for desktop icon in the system tray or menu bar and verify that synchronization is complete before opening or refreshing the workbook on the display computer.
If another user is saving a revised version, close the workbook on the display computer until Google Drive reports that syncing is complete, then reopen the file.
Use a controlled scheduled copy process for the display workbook
Use this approach when the display system needs a separate read-only copy and you need more control over when updates replace the displayed file.
Open the synchronized workbook in WPS Spreadsheet on the display computer
WPS Spreadsheet can open a workbook from the Google Drive for desktop synchronized folder, helping the display computer use the latest downloaded version. Keep the workbook closed while Google Drive receives updates, then reopen it in WPS Spreadsheet after synchronization completes. Test any VBA-dependent features before deploying a macro-enabled workbook.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office on the display computer, then open WPS Spreadsheet from the WPS Office home screen.
- 2. Locate the synchronized Google Drive folder: In WPS Spreadsheet, select Open and browse to the workbook stored in the local Google Drive for desktop synchronized folder.
- 3. Open the current synchronized workbook: Select the .xlsx or .xlsm workbook and choose Open after checking that Google Drive for desktop shows synchronization is complete.
- 4. Refresh the displayed file after updates: When users save a new version, close the workbook in WPS Spreadsheet, wait for Google Drive to finish syncing, and open the file again from the same synchronized folder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Google Drive automatically update an Excel file that is already open on the display computer?
Google Drive for desktop can download the updated file to its synchronized folder, but an already open Excel workbook may continue showing the older in-memory version. Close the workbook after sync completes and reopen it from the synchronized folder.
How can I tell whether the latest workbook version has downloaded?
Select the Google Drive for desktop icon in the system tray on Windows or the menu bar on macOS. Wait until it reports that synchronization is complete and shows no pending uploads or downloads.
Can several users edit the same macro-enabled Excel workbook through Google Drive?
They can access the same file, but simultaneous editing can create conflicting copies because desktop file synchronization is not reliable real-time coauthoring for macro-enabled workbooks. Assign one editor at a time when possible.
Why did Google Drive create a conflicting copy of my workbook?
A conflicting copy can be created when different devices save changes before they receive each other's latest version, or when the workbook is open and locked during synchronization. Compare timestamps and content before selecting the version to use.
Can WPS Spreadsheet open a macro-enabled Excel workbook from Google Drive?
Yes, WPS Spreadsheet can open Excel .xlsm files from a locally synchronized Google Drive folder. Test VBA macros and any automation features on the display computer, as macro compatibility and security behavior can vary.
