File Cannot Open

Fix Microsoft Forms Open in Excel Error After Moving to a Group

Elise Williams Oct 8, 2026 868 views

Question details

The 'Open in Excel' function throws an error or gets stuck syncing after moving a Microsoft Form to a group.

How to Fix Microsoft Forms Open in Excel Error After Moving to a Group

Product: Microsoft Forms
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: A user attempts to view form responses in Excel after transferring a personal Microsoft Form to a Microsoft 365 group.
Observed behavior: The system displays an error or the synchronization remains stuck, typically because the associated Excel response workbook was deleted or became inaccessible during the move.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary member or owner permissions for the destination Microsoft 365 Group and its associated SharePoint site before attempting to recover files.

Solution 1Recommended

Restore the Missing Excel Response File from SharePoint Recycle Bins

Because the file may have been accidentally deleted during or after the transfer, checking the SharePoint recycle bins is the fastest and most effective way to restore access.

When a Microsoft Form is moved to a group, its associated Excel workbook is relocated to the group's SharePoint site. If this workbook is deleted by a user or an automated policy, the 'Open in Excel' link in Forms will break and display an error.

Access the Group SharePoint Site

Log into Microsoft 365 and navigate to the SharePoint site associated with the specific group where you moved the form.

Open the Recycle Bin

Click on 'Recycle bin' located in the left-hand navigation menu of the SharePoint site.

Restore the File

Locate the missing Excel response workbook in the list, select the checkbox next to it, and click 'Restore' at the top of the page.

Check Second-Stage Recycle Bin

If the file is not visible in the primary recycle bin, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the 'Second-stage recycle bin' link to search there and restore it.

Restore the Missing Excel Response File from SharePoint Recycle Bins

Verification: After restoring the file, return to Microsoft Forms and click 'Open in Excel' to verify that the synchronization error is resolved.

Solution 2

Request Administrator Assistance for Data Recovery

Use this solution if the Excel response file is missing from both recycle bins or if you lack the required administrative permissions to access SharePoint recovery features.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Analyze Form Data Effortlessly with WPS Office

Need a fast, reliable way to view and edit your recovered response workbooks? WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office. It seamlessly handles .xlsx files, making it the perfect tool for analyzing your Microsoft Forms data without expensive subscription fees.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download and install WPS Office for free on your PC or Mac.
2. Open Your Data: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your exported Microsoft Forms Excel (.xlsx) response file.
3. Analyze Responses: Use familiar pivot tables, charts, and formulas to deeply analyze your collected form data.

Free and lightweight Microsoft Office alternativeSeamless compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formatsFamiliar, intuitive user interface for quick onboardingAdvanced data analysis and charting tools built-in

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the 'Open in Excel' error happen after moving a form?

When you move a personal form to a group, the storage location of the Excel response workbook changes from your personal OneDrive to the target group's SharePoint site. If the file fails to transfer correctly, loses permissions, or is accidentally deleted by another group member, the link within Microsoft Forms breaks and causes an error.

Will I lose my existing form responses if the Excel file is permanently deleted?

No. The core response data is securely stored on Microsoft Forms' backend servers. Even if the linked Excel workbook is permanently lost, your submissions remain intact. You can usually generate a new synced workbook or manually export the data again.

Where is the Excel workbook normally saved after moving a form to a group?

Once a form is moved to a Microsoft 365 group, the associated Excel response file is automatically relocated to the default 'Documents' library of that specific group's SharePoint site.

Document & File Issues