OneDrive File Issues

Fix Excel Changes Not Syncing Between OneDrive and Desktop

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to sync changes made in a shared Excel workbook on OneDrive online with their desktop application, and attempts to restore previous versions fail due to a file lock error.

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Collaborating on shared Excel workbooks using both the OneDrive web interface and the desktop application.
Observed behavior: Modifications appear in the online version history but do not display in the desktop app. When trying to restore a version, the system reports that another user currently has the file open.

Before you start

Ensure you have access to an administrator account for Microsoft 365, as resolving background file locks requires administrative permissions to manage user sessions.

Solution 1Recommended

Revoke Sign-In Sessions via Microsoft Graph

Clear stale background sessions that are incorrectly keeping the Excel file locked.

When synchronization fails and the system claims another user has the file open, it is typically caused by a stale or cached Microsoft 365 session. An administrator can force these stuck sessions to expire using the Microsoft Graph API, which removes the backend file lock.

Access Microsoft Graph Explorer

Locate the User ID

Run the `/me` query or search for the specific user experiencing the lock to obtain their unique user ID.

Revoke the Session

Execute a POST request to `/users/{user-id}/revokeSignInSessions` to immediately invalidate all active Microsoft 365 sessions for that user.

Wait for Expiration

Allow a few minutes for the session expiration command to propagate across Microsoft's servers.

Sign In and Test

Have the affected users sign back into their Microsoft 365 accounts, open the Excel desktop app, and verify that the file now syncs and versions can be restored.

Admin Privileges Required: The revokeSignInSessions endpoint can only be successfully called by an administrator with the appropriate directory permissions.

Solution 2

Verify OneDrive Location and Sharing Permissions

Ensure the desktop application is opening the file from the actively syncing OneDrive directory.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Cloud Collaboration

Avoid complex session locks and administrative troubleshooting. WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with built-in cloud synchronization, making it easier to collaborate on spreadsheets across devices.

1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office Free on your computer or mobile device.
2. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and directly open your existing .xlsx files.
3. Enable Cloud Sync: Sign in to your WPS account to automatically save and sync your edits across all devices seamlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats and features.Built-in WPS Cloud ensures reliable, real-time file synchronization without complex session locks.Lightweight application with a familiar interface that requires zero learning curve.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel say someone else is editing the file when they aren't?

This occurs when a user's connection to Microsoft 365 gets disconnected improperly, leaving a 'stale session' on the server. The server still believes the user has the file open, locking it for others.

How long does it take for a revoked session to take effect?

When an administrator revokes a sign-in session via Microsoft Graph, it typically takes a few minutes for the change to process, but it can occasionally take up to an hour to propagate across all cloud services.

Can I force my Excel desktop app to sync without admin help?

You can try clicking the 'Refresh' button in Excel or pausing and resuming your OneDrive desktop sync client. However, if there is a server-side file lock, administrative action is usually required to clear the session.

Document & File Issues