File Cannot Open

Fix Excel Files Not Opening from OneDrive or SharePoint

Chanuka Geekiyanage Sep 27, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an error preventing Excel workbooks from opening when accessed through OneDrive or SharePoint.

Fix Excel Files Not Opening from OneDrive or SharePoint

Product: Microsoft Excel, OneDrive, SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Accessing, co-authoring, or opening cloud-stored spreadsheet files.
Observed behavior: Excel files show an opening error and fail to load, potentially due to sync failures, file corruption, or permission issues.

Before you start

Verify your internet connection and ensure your Microsoft account is properly signed into OneDrive or SharePoint to rule out basic connectivity issues.

Solution 1Recommended

Check Sync Status and Open in Excel for the Web

Bypassing the local desktop application can help determine if the problem is a local software glitch or an actual issue with the file itself.

Often, local app issues or background sync glitches prevent files from opening. Accessing the file online bypasses local app errors and allows you to view your data immediately.

Check OneDrive sync status

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your computer's system tray or menu bar to ensure all files display as 'Up to date' without any sync errors.

Navigate to the web portal

Open in browser

Click on the file name. By default, it will attempt to open in Excel for the Web. If it opens successfully, the issue is with your local desktop application.

Check Sync Status and Open in Excel for the Web

Update Office Software: If the file opens on the web but not locally, ensure your local Microsoft Office suite is updated to the latest version via File > Account > Update Options.

Solution 2

Repair Corrupted Excel Files

If the file cannot be opened by anyone or throws a specific corruption error, you can use Excel's built-in repair tool to recover the data.

Solution 3

Restore an Earlier Version of the Workbook

If the current version of the file is damaged beyond repair or locked in an error state, restoring a previously saved version is the most effective recovery method.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Management

If you frequently encounter syncing and opening errors with Microsoft Office, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for handling all your document needs locally and in the cloud without heavy resource usage.

1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite from the official website.
2. Open WPS Spreadsheets: Launch the WPS Spreadsheets module from the main dashboard.
3. Access your files: Click 'Open' and navigate to your local OneDrive or SharePoint directory to access your .xlsx files instantly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls) to prevent formatting loss.Easily open and edit spreadsheets stored in local OneDrive folders without complex sync errors.Lightweight installation ensures faster loading times and fewer application crashes.Familiar user interface makes transitioning from MS Office completely effortless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel say my file on SharePoint is locked for editing?

This usually happens if another user currently has the file open without co-authoring enabled, or if Excel did not close properly during a previous session. Wait a few minutes for the server timeout, or ask the other user to close the file.

Can insufficient permissions cause an opening error in Excel?

Yes. If your access level was recently changed or revoked on SharePoint or OneDrive, Excel will fail to load the file. You will need to ask the site administrator or the file owner to verify your viewing or editing permissions.

How do I fix synchronization errors on OneDrive?

You can resolve basic sync errors by clicking the OneDrive icon in your system tray, selecting 'Pause syncing', and then 'Resume syncing'. Alternatively, you can restart the OneDrive app or unlink and relink your PC.

Document & File Issues