SharePoint Document Issues

Fix Excel Files Not Syncing with SharePoint Offline Copies

Natalie Taylor Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing synchronization failures between Excel files hosted on SharePoint and their local offline copies.

How to Fix Excel Files Not Syncing with SharePoint Offline Copies

Product: Microsoft Excel, SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing an Excel file both online through SharePoint and locally offline, expecting the changes to seamlessly synchronize.
Observed behavior: Changes made online do not appear in the offline copy, and offline edits remain unsent. The file may also become stuck displaying a 'Performing Cleanup' status.

Before you start

Before beginning the troubleshooting process, manually save a copy of your offline Excel file to a local desktop folder using 'Save As' to prevent any accidental data loss during synchronization repairs.

Solution 1Recommended

Document Sync Status and Isolate the Conflict

Identify whether the synchronization failure originates from the OneDrive client, network connectivity, or the Excel file itself by gathering specific error details.

Because SharePoint relies on the OneDrive sync client to manage offline files, synchronization issues often stem from local cache conflicts or interrupted uploads. Documenting the exact behavior helps pinpoint the root cause.

Check OneDrive sync status

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray or menu bar to view active sync processes. Look for any files stuck on 'Performing Cleanup' or displaying a red error cross.

Record exact editing steps

Note the exact process you used to edit the file both online and offline. Determine if the sync stops working immediately after specific actions, such as adding macros or co-authoring.

Verify scope of the issue

Open a different Excel file on the same SharePoint site and make a minor edit to see if it syncs. Check with colleagues to see if they are experiencing the same issue with the affected file.

Capture error messages

Take screenshots of any synchronization status errors, file location paths, and pop-up warnings in Excel. Provide these details to your IT administrator to help resolve underlying SharePoint permissions or OneDrive client issues.

Document Sync Status and Isolate the Conflict

Update Sync Client: Ensure your OneDrive sync app is updated to the latest version, as outdated clients are a primary cause of files getting stuck during cleanup operations.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Seamless Cloud Sync with WPS Office

If SharePoint and Microsoft Excel synchronization issues continue to disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with reliable cloud synchronization, ensuring your offline and online edits remain seamlessly integrated.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite for your operating system.
2. Sign in to WPS Cloud: Open WPS Spreadsheet and log in to your account to activate seamless cloud synchronization across all your devices.
3. Open and edit files: Import your existing Excel files into WPS Office. Edits made offline will automatically sync to the cloud the next time you connect to the internet.

Free, lightweight, and fast alternative to Microsoft Office.Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) file formats.Built-in WPS Cloud integration for dependable file synchronization.Familiar tabbed interface makes migration simple and intuitive.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Excel file get stuck on 'Performing Cleanup'?

This status typically occurs when the OneDrive sync client or the Microsoft Office Upload Center encounters a conflict while trying to merge offline cache data with the live SharePoint server version.

How can I save my offline work if SharePoint sync fails completely?

Open the affected file in Excel, go to 'File' > 'Save As', and choose a strictly local folder (like your Documents or Desktop) to save a backup. You can manually upload this copy to SharePoint once the sync is fixed.

Will clearing my Office Document Cache fix SharePoint sync errors?

Yes. Clearing the cache forces Excel and the sync client to discard corrupted temporary data and fetch a fresh version of the document from the SharePoint server, which often resolves stuck uploads.

Document & File Issues