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How to Fix Excel Show Changes Not Working with Box Files
Question details
The user needs to identify who made specific additions or deletions in collaborative Excel workbooks stored in Box, as the native Show Changes feature is unavailable.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Multiple users are collaborating on an Excel Online workbook stored in Box and need to track cell-level modifications.
- Observed behavior
- The Excel Show Changes feature is not supported and remains disabled for workbooks stored in Box or other third-party cloud storage services.
Ensure you have the necessary file permissions to move the workbook to a different cloud storage platform, or verify that your team can use legacy desktop features before proceeding.
Move the Workbook to OneDrive or SharePoint
Since the modern Show Changes feature is exclusively tied to Microsoft's cloud ecosystem, migrating your Box file to OneDrive or SharePoint is the official way to resolve this issue.
Microsoft Excel requires files to be hosted on OneDrive or SharePoint to utilize the modern Show Changes feature. Third-party cloud storage services like Box do not support this specific feature, even when using Excel Online.
Locate the shared workbook in your Box account and download a copy to your local computer.
Open your OneDrive or SharePoint online portal and upload the downloaded Excel file.
Open the file using Excel Online or the Excel desktop application. Ensure that the AutoSave toggle in the top-left corner is turned on.
Navigate to the Review tab on the ribbon and click on 'Show Changes' to view the detailed history of edits made by all collaborators.
Use the Legacy Shared Workbook Feature
If you must keep the file outside of Microsoft's cloud (such as locally or on a generic shared drive), you can enable the older legacy Track Changes tool.
Experience Seamless Collaboration with WPS Office
If strict cloud storage limitations in Microsoft Excel disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. As a powerful, lightweight, and free Microsoft Office alternative, WPS Office offers excellent format compatibility and an intuitive user interface, allowing you to manage your spreadsheets easily without being forced into a single cloud ecosystem.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the lightweight application.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing .xlsx files to continue working seamlessly with full format preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Show Changes button grayed out in my Excel workbook?
The Show Changes feature is only supported for workbooks saved in Microsoft OneDrive or SharePoint. If your file is saved locally, on a standard network drive, or in a third-party cloud service like Box, the button will be disabled or grayed out.
Can I use Excel Online to track changes on Box files?
No. Even though you can edit Box files using Excel Online, the specific 'Show Changes' functionality requires the file to be natively hosted in Microsoft's own cloud environment (OneDrive or SharePoint).
What is the difference between Show Changes and Track Changes (Legacy)?
Show Changes is a modern feature that automatically logs cell-level edits for up to 60 days on cloud-hosted files without restricting workbook features. Track Changes (Legacy) is an older tool for local or network-shared files, which restricts you from using modern Excel features like tables and dynamic arrays when activated.
Is there a way to request Microsoft to add Show Changes support for Box?
Yes, you can submit feature requests and feedback to Microsoft through the official Microsoft Feedback Portal online. Currently, integration with third-party storage remains a common request among users.
