OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix Excel Changes Not Syncing to OneDrive

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users need to resolve an issue where changes made to Excel workbooks fail to upload to OneDrive, causing collaborators to see an outdated version of the file.

Product: Microsoft Excel, OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Collaborating on shared Excel files stored in OneDrive.
Observed behavior: Modifications made in Excel remain stuck in the local Office file cache and do not synchronize to the cloud, resulting in version conflicts among different users.

Before you start

Ensure that all other Microsoft Office applications are completely closed and verify your active internet connection before modifying the local system folders.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear the Local Office File Cache

Clearing the local Office file cache resolves sync conflicts by forcing Excel to download the latest file status directly from OneDrive.

When Excel's local cache becomes corrupted or out of sync with OneDrive, the application may fail to upload your latest changes. Deleting the cache folder forces the system to rebuild the synchronization state.

Turn off AutoSave

Open your Excel workbook and click the AutoSave toggle at the top-left corner of the window to turn it off on the affected computer.

Open the Run dialog

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Run command window.

Navigate to the cache folder

Type %localappdata%\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OfficeFileCache in the Run dialog box and press Enter to open the directory.

Delete the cache data

Locate the folder named '0', right-click on it, and select Delete to clear the cached files.

Resync and reopen

Wait for the OneDrive icon in your Windows system tray to report that all files are synchronized, then reopen your Excel workbook.

Office Version Directory: The '16.0' in the folder path refers to Office 2016, 2019, or Microsoft 365. If you are using an older version of Office, this number will differ (for example, 15.0 for Office 2013).

Solution 2

Troubleshoot Complex Shared Workbooks

For complex files with external data sources that affect multiple users, gather specific details and test environmental limitations to isolate the problem.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless File Synchronization

If Microsoft Excel and OneDrive synchronization issues continue to disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative with robust built-in cloud capabilities.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website, download the free version, and follow the on-screen installation prompts.
2. Open Your Excel File: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and click 'Open' to load your existing .xlsx files directly from your local drive.
3. Enable WPS Cloud Sync: Sign in to your WPS account and save the document to WPS Cloud for seamless, real-time collaboration.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) and CSV file formats.Includes built-in WPS Cloud for reliable, real-time file synchronization and collaboration.Lightweight installation that consumes fewer system resources compared to Microsoft Office.Familiar user interface makes migration effortless without a steep learning curve.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Excel changes not syncing to OneDrive?

This typically happens when the local Office file cache gets corrupted or out of sync with the cloud version. Excel holds the changes locally in its cache folder, preventing them from uploading properly to OneDrive.

Will deleting the OfficeFileCache folder delete my Excel files?

No, deleting the '0' folder inside the OfficeFileCache directory only removes temporary cached data used for synchronization, not your actual Excel documents. However, it is highly recommended to manually back up unsaved work before doing this.

How can I tell if my OneDrive is fully synced?

You can check the OneDrive cloud icon located in your Windows system tray (taskbar). If it says 'Up to date' when you hover over it, or shows a solid cloud icon without rotating sync arrows, your files are fully synchronized.

What if I cannot open the shared Excel file in the browser?

If a file cannot be opened in Excel for the Web, it generally means the workbook contains unsupported features, complex macros, or external data connections. You will need to edit these specific files exclusively in the desktop application.

Document & File Issues