File Sharing Problems

How to Co-Author an Excel Workbook in Real Time

Chanuka Geekiyanage Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users want to know how to enable and use real-time co-authoring in an Excel workbook so multiple coworkers can edit the file simultaneously.

How to Co-Author an Excel Workbook in Real Time

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Coworkers need to collaborate on the same Excel file at the same time without locking each other out.
Observed behavior: Coworkers are unable to edit the Excel file simultaneously, receiving 'locked for editing' errors even when editing permissions have been granted.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and access to Microsoft OneDrive or SharePoint, as real-time co-authoring requires the file to be saved to an supported cloud service.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable Co-Authoring via OneDrive or SharePoint

Save and share your workbook using Microsoft's cloud services to allow real-time collaboration with your team.

To co-author an Excel workbook, the file must be stored in a supported cloud location. Local files or files saved on a standard network drive do not support simultaneous editing and will lock when opened by one user.

Save to the Cloud

Open your Excel workbook, go to 'File' > 'Save As', and select your 'OneDrive' or 'SharePoint' account to upload the file.

Share the Workbook

Click the 'Share' button located in the top right corner of the Excel interface.

Set Edit Permissions

Enter the email addresses of your coworkers, ensure the sharing permission is explicitly set to 'Can edit', and click 'Send'.

Co-Author in Real Time

Have your coworkers open the file via Excel for the web or a Microsoft 365 desktop version. You will now see their colored cursors and edits in real time.

Enable Co-Authoring via OneDrive or SharePoint

Version Compatibility: Older desktop versions of Excel (like Excel 2019 or earlier) do not support real-time co-authoring. Coworkers with older versions should open the shared link in their web browser to use Excel for the web.

Collaborate Seamlessly with WPS Office

Co-Author Spreadsheets in Real Time with WPS Office

WPS Office offers robust, built-in cloud collaboration allowing multiple users to edit the same spreadsheet simultaneously. Avoid file locks and work seamlessly with your team using WPS Cloud.

1. Upload to WPS Cloud: Open your spreadsheet in WPS Office and save it directly to 'WPS Cloud'.
2. Share the File: Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner of the WPS Spreadsheet window and select 'Create Link'.
3. Set Edit Permissions: Change the link permission setting to 'Anyone with the link can edit' and copy the generated link.
4. Collaborate in Real Time: Share the link with your team. Multiple users can open the link in their browser or WPS Office client and edit the spreadsheet at the same time.

Free real-time co-authoring and team collaboration features.Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) formats.1 GB of free cloud storage with WPS Cloud.Lightweight application with a familiar, easy-to-use interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Excel file locked for editing by another user?

This usually happens if the file is saved on a local network drive rather than OneDrive or SharePoint, or if a coworker has opened the file using an older version of the Excel desktop app that does not support co-authoring.

Can I co-author an Excel file on a local network drive?

No, real-time co-authoring in Microsoft Excel is not supported on local file servers or mapped network drives. The file must be hosted on OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, or SharePoint Online.

How do I know who is currently editing the shared Excel file?

When real-time co-authoring is active, you will see colored cell borders indicating where others are working, and the profile pictures or initials of the active users will appear in the top right corner of the Excel window.

Document & File Issues