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Fix Old InfoPath 2013 Form Version Showing in Designer
Question details
Users are encountering a mismatch where an outdated version of an InfoPath 2013 form opens in Designer, but the newer version is visible in the form filler and SharePoint.
- Product
- InfoPath 2013 / SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening and managing an existing form design via SharePoint Designer 2013 that is connected to a SharePoint Online list.
- Observed behavior
- SharePoint Designer loads a legacy version of the form design, ignoring the most recent updates that are correctly displaying for end-users on SharePoint.
Ensure you have the necessary administrator or designer permissions to publish forms to the target SharePoint Online list, and back up any unsaved local form data before proceeding.
Republish the Form Directly to SharePoint Online
Force an update to the version history by making a minor edit in InfoPath and publishing it directly to the correct SharePoint Online location.
This version mismatch often happens when SharePoint Designer 2013 caches an older file or points to an outdated local copy instead of the active SharePoint Online list.
By bypassing Designer and publishing directly from InfoPath to the list, you can synchronize the server and client versions.
Launch InfoPath Designer 2013 and open the form template that is exhibiting the version mismatch.
Navigate to the Data tab and verify that the form is actively connected to the correct SharePoint Online list, rather than an outdated local or staging environment.
Make a small, non-disruptive change to the form design, such as adding and removing a space in a text label, to trigger a new version state.
Click on 'File', select 'Publish', and choose 'SharePoint Server'. Follow the wizard to publish the form directly to the correct SharePoint Online location.
Open the form filler or visit the SharePoint Online list via a web browser to confirm that the newest version now appears correctly across all platforms.
Upgrade Your Document and Form Workflow with WPS Office
While InfoPath 2013 is a legacy tool that can cause syncing and version issues, WPS Office offers a modern, lightweight, and reliable suite for all your document, spreadsheet, and form-creation needs. It provides an intuitive interface and excellent compatibility without the heavy resource usage of older software.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to set up the suite on your device.
- 3. Open your files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office files to edit and save them seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does SharePoint Designer show an older version of my InfoPath form?
This typically occurs due to local caching issues within SharePoint Designer or InfoPath, where the client application has failed to sync the latest published template from the SharePoint Online server.
How do I clear the InfoPath cache to force the newest version to load?
You can quickly clear the InfoPath cache by opening the Windows Run dialog (press Windows Key + R), typing 'InfoPath /cache clearall', and pressing Enter.
Is InfoPath 2013 still supported for modern SharePoint Online?
Microsoft has officially retired InfoPath 2013. While existing forms may still function in some older SharePoint environments, it is highly recommended to migrate your data collection processes to modern alternatives like Power Apps or dedicated document forms.
