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Fix Cannot See Other Users in a Shared Excel Workbook
Question details
The user is unable to see the presence indicators or initials of other users currently editing a shared Excel workbook, even though others can see the user's presence.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Collaborating on a shared Excel workbook with other users.
- Observed behavior
- Excel fails to display the initials or presence indicators of other active users.
Ensure that you have an active internet connection and that the Excel workbook is properly saved in a shared cloud location like OneDrive or SharePoint.
Check Co-authoring Presence in Excel for the Web
Determine if the issue is limited to the desktop application by viewing the shared workbook online.
Sometimes the desktop version of Excel experiences synchronization delays. Checking the web version helps identify if the issue is related to the file itself or the desktop software.
Open your preferred web browser and log into your Microsoft 365 account.
Locate the affected file in OneDrive or SharePoint and click to open it in Excel for the Web.
Look at the top right corner of the ribbon to see if the initials or profile pictures of other active users appear.
Switch to a Different Web Browser
If you are already using Excel for the Web and cannot see other users, a browser caching or compatibility issue might be causing the problem.
Test Other Shared Files and Check Office Version
Determine if the problem is specific to one corrupted file or a broader application glitch.
Seamlessly Collaborate with WPS Office
Avoid co-authoring glitches by using WPS Office. WPS Office offers real-time collaboration, a lightweight interface, and seamless compatibility with Microsoft Excel formats so you can work together effortlessly.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free from the official website.
- 2. Open your Excel file: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing .xlsx file.
- 3. Share and collaborate: Click the Share button in the top right corner to invite your team and start co-authoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I see other users in Excel for the web but not in the desktop app?
The desktop application may be experiencing a synchronization delay or an account credential error. Signing out and signing back into your Office account in the desktop app can often resolve this.
Does co-authoring work if the file is saved locally?
No, to see other users editing in real-time, the Excel workbook must be saved to a cloud service like OneDrive or SharePoint and AutoSave must be turned on.
Can a slow internet connection hide presence indicators?
Yes. Real-time co-authoring relies on a stable internet connection. If your connection drops or becomes too slow, Excel may fail to sync and display the presence of other users.
What if the issue only happens in one specific shared file?
If only one file is affected, the workbook may be corrupted or contain unsupported features for co-authoring. Try copying the data into a new blank workbook and re-sharing it.
