OneDrive File Issues

How to Clear an Upload Failed Error in Excel on Mac

Huda Qurayshi Oct 7, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve a persistent 'Upload failed' error in Microsoft Excel for Mac caused by a document failing to synchronize with OneDrive.

How to Clear an "Upload Failed" Error in Excel on Mac

Product: Microsoft Excel, OneDrive
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Attempting to save, modify, or delete a spreadsheet that is synced to OneDrive but has become stuck in the upload queue.
Observed behavior: Excel displays an 'Upload failed' error message, and the document is treated as an unsaved cloud file that cannot be deleted or modified normally.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and verify that you are signed into the correct Microsoft account associated with your OneDrive storage.

Solution 1Recommended

Save a Local Copy and Clear Recent Files

Protect your data by saving a copy locally, then clear the stuck upload from Excel's system.

When Excel gets stuck in an upload loop, the most important step is to secure your work before resetting the app. Saving a local copy isolates the file from OneDrive's synchronization engine.

Save a local copy

Open the stuck document in Excel, click 'File' > 'Save As' in the top menu bar, and choose a local folder on your Mac (such as your Desktop or Documents folder) that is outside of OneDrive.

Close Office applications

Fully quit Microsoft Excel and any other open Microsoft Office applications by pressing Cmd + Q.

Clear the stuck file

Reopen Excel without opening the specific document. Navigate to the 'Recent' files list, right-click (or Control-click) the failed item, and select 'Remove from Recent'.

Save a Local Copy and Clear Recent Files

Data Secured: By saving a local copy first, you guarantee that no spreadsheet data is lost while resolving the OneDrive sync glitch.

Solution 2

Sign Out and Re-Sign Into Office

Refresh your Microsoft Office authentication to clear any background sync conflicts.

Solution 3

Verify OneDrive Synchronization Status

Check the native OneDrive app directly to resolve underlying file blockages.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for Seamless Mac Productivity

If persistent Microsoft Excel and OneDrive sync errors are slowing down your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative that allows you to effortlessly manage your spreadsheets locally or save them to your preferred cloud storage without the frustrating upload glitches.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for Mac.
2. Install and Launch: Run the downloaded installer and open the WPS Spreadsheets application.
3. Open Your Files: Drag and drop your saved .xlsx files directly into WPS Office to continue your work without missing a beat.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats, ensuring your existing files open perfectly.Edit and save documents locally without forced cloud synchronization issues.Lightweight installation optimized for fast Mac performance.Free to use with a familiar, user-friendly interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel on Mac keep displaying an 'Upload failed' error?

This error typically occurs when there is a synchronization conflict between Microsoft Excel and OneDrive, a temporary network interruption, or an authentication issue with your linked Microsoft account.

Will I lose my spreadsheet data if I force quit Excel during an upload error?

If the document hasn't successfully synced to OneDrive, any unsaved changes may be lost if you force quit. Always use the 'Save As' function to save a local backup to your Mac's hard drive before closing the application.

How do I delete a file that is permanently stuck in an 'Upload failed' state?

First, save your work locally to prevent data loss. Next, close Excel entirely. Open your OneDrive folder using Mac Finder and delete the stuck file manually. You may also need to clear the file from the 'Recent' list inside the Excel app upon reopening it.

Document & File Issues