OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix an Outdated OneDrive Excel File That Will Not Sync

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where a desktop Excel workbook saved on OneDrive is stuck uploading and fails to synchronize with the web version.

Product: Microsoft Excel and OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Syncing a desktop Excel workbook containing complex data such as formulas, SUMIFS, and hyperlinks to OneDrive.
Observed behavior: The desktop copy remains stuck uploading and becomes outdated, failing to match the browser version even after resetting or reinstalling OneDrive.

Before you start

Before attempting to delete any cache directories, open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and ensure that all background processes for Microsoft Excel and OneDrive are completely terminated so the files are not locked.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear the Microsoft Office File Cache Folder

Deleting the local Office file cache removes corrupt or stuck temporary data, forcing Excel and OneDrive to rebuild a clean synchronization connection.

Often, a stuck upload is caused by a corrupted temporary file within the Microsoft Office cache directory. Manually clearing this folder can bypass issues that resetting the OneDrive application alone cannot fix.

Open File Explorer

Press the Windows Key + E on your keyboard to launch a new File Explorer window.

Navigate to the Cache Directory

Click the address bar at the top, type 'C:\Users\<user_name>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OfficeFileCache' (replacing <user_name> with your actual Windows account name), and press Enter.

Delete the Cache Files

Select all files and folders inside the 'OfficeFileCache' directory, right-click, and select 'Delete'. Empty your Recycle Bin to permanently remove the stuck temporary files.

Restart and Test Sync

Relaunch the OneDrive application from your Start menu, then open your Excel workbook to verify if the file begins uploading properly.

Locating AppData: The AppData folder is hidden by default in Windows. You may need to click the 'View' tab in File Explorer and check 'Hidden items' to navigate there manually.

Solution 2

Compare Versions to Isolate File-Specific Issues

Determine if the synchronization failure is caused by an application error or if it is isolated to a specific complex workbook containing problematic formulas or links.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for Reliable Cloud Syncing

If you repeatedly experience upload failures or cache conflicts with Microsoft Excel and OneDrive, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, stable environment with its own built-in cloud synchronization to keep your spreadsheets updated seamlessly.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite from the official website to your Windows device.
2. Open Your Excel Files: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing .xlsx workbooks directly—no format conversion required.
3. Enable Auto-Sync: Sign in to WPS Cloud within the application to automatically save and sync your edits reliably across all your devices.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls) including complex formulas and hyperlinks.Built-in WPS Cloud functionality ensures reliable file synchronization without complex local cache errors.Free and lightweight, consuming significantly fewer system resources than standard Microsoft Office installations.Familiar user interface allows for immediate productivity with zero learning curve.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my desktop Excel file stuck uploading to OneDrive?

This commonly occurs when the Microsoft Office document cache conflicts with OneDrive's sync engine. A corrupted temporary file in the OfficeFileCache folder can prevent the desktop changes from being transmitted to the cloud.

Will deleting the OfficeFileCache folder delete my actual Excel workbooks?

No. The OfficeFileCache folder only stores temporary synchronization data and background cache files. Deleting these contents will not erase your actual Excel documents, though it is always safe to manually save a backup copy of your recent unsynced edits before proceeding.

Can complex formulas or links cause OneDrive to stop syncing?

Yes. Workbooks heavily reliant on complex calculation functions (like SUMIFS), broken external links, or numerous hyperlinks can occasionally cause Excel's upload process to hang, leading to synchronization discrepancies between the desktop and web versions.

How do I force OneDrive to sync an outdated file?

You can attempt to force a sync by pausing and resuming OneDrive from the taskbar icon, or by opening the file, making a minor edit, and using the 'Save' button. If these fail, clearing the local Office cache is the most effective way to force a fresh upload.

Document & File Issues