Fix Excel Online Cannot Merge Changes in SharePoint Files
Question details
Users receive an error stating changes cannot be merged with another user's changes when co-authoring shared Excel files in SharePoint.
- Product
- Excel Online and SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Multiple users are simultaneously editing a shared Excel file (.xlsx or .xlsm) hosted on SharePoint.
- Observed behavior
- Excel displays a synchronization conflict error, forces a page reload to save work, interrupts team collaboration, and occasionally freezes or closes the application.
Verify whether users are editing the file in the Excel Online web browser version or the Excel desktop application, as this heavily impacts how large files sync.
Switch from Excel Online to the Excel Desktop Application
Using the desktop app is highly recommended for large or macro-enabled (.xlsm) files, as it manages simultaneous co-authoring and synchronization conflicts much more reliably than the web version.
Excel Online can struggle with complex formulas, large datasets, and macros when multiple users edit concurrently. Opening the file directly in the desktop app leverages your computer's resources to better handle the merge process.
Open the SharePoint document library in your web browser where the conflicting Excel file is stored.
Hover over the Excel file name and click the three-dot menu (Show actions) next to it.
Click on 'Open', then select 'Open in app' to launch the file in your Microsoft Excel desktop application instead of the browser.
Verify File Format Compatibility
Ensure the workbook is saved in a modern format that fully supports Microsoft's co-authoring engine.
Collaborate Seamlessly with WPS Office
If SharePoint and Excel synchronization conflicts continue to disrupt your team's workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides robust spreadsheet capabilities, seamless cloud collaboration, and a lightweight environment designed for modern team productivity without the frustration of merge errors.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Upload to WPS Cloud: Open WPS Spreadsheet, sign in, and save your Excel file to WPS Cloud for real-time collaboration.
- 3. Invite Collaborators: Use the 'Share' button in the top right corner to generate a link and invite your team to co-author without conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel say my changes cannot be merged?
This error typically occurs during co-authoring when multiple users are editing a shared file simultaneously. It often happens if a user's internet connection drops briefly, if users are mixing Excel Online with older desktop versions, or if the file contains complex macros (.xlsm) that the web version struggles to sync.
Does co-authoring work with .xlsm files in SharePoint?
Yes, co-authoring is supported for macro-enabled (.xlsm) files. However, because macros can dynamically change data across the workbook, co-authoring these files is generally much more stable when all users open the document in the Excel desktop application rather than the browser-based Excel Online.
How do I force Excel to sync my changes in SharePoint?
If you are stuck on a merge conflict, first save a local copy of your workbook to prevent data loss. Then, refresh your Excel Online web page. If using the desktop app, you may need to close the application, clear your Office Document Cache via the Microsoft Upload Center, and reopen the file directly from SharePoint.
