File Sharing Problems

How to Fix Excel Upload Failed and Upload Blocked Errors in SharePoint

Natalie Taylor Oct 16, 2026 870 views

Question details

Users are experiencing frequent Upload Failed or Upload Blocked errors when attempting to co-author complex, macro-enabled Excel workbooks.

How to Fix Excel Upload Failed and Upload Blocked Errors in SharePoint

Product: Microsoft Excel, SharePoint, Teams
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Multiple users are trying to co-author or edit a macro-enabled Excel file hosted on SharePoint or Teams simultaneously.
Observed behavior: Synchronization conflicts generate Upload Failed and Upload Blocked messages, often forcing users to open the file one at a time to prevent data loss.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting synchronization issues, ask all users to save their current offline progress and back up a local copy of the Excel workbook to prevent accidental data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Standardize Excel Versions Across All Users

Ensuring all co-authors are on the exact same Excel build and architecture (e.g., 64-bit) minimizes compatibility and syncing conflicts.

A mix of 32-bit and 64-bit Excel installations, or users on different Microsoft 365 update channels, can severely disrupt co-authoring in SharePoint.

Check Excel Version

Open Excel, click on 'File', and select 'Account' to view the version and build number under 'Product Information'.

Verify Architecture

Click the 'About Excel' button to verify whether the installation is 32-bit or 64-bit.

Update Installations

Coordinate with your IT administrator to upgrade all co-authoring users to the identical 64-bit Microsoft 365 Excel build.

Standardize Excel Versions Across All Users

Admin Assistance Required: You may need Microsoft 365 administrator privileges to deploy consistent Office builds across your organization's network.

Solution 2

Remove Unsupported Co-authoring Features

Certain complex elements like active macro editing, form controls, and custom functions block co-authoring and cause upload failures.

Solution 3

Isolate the Issue Using OneDrive

Moving the file temporarily to OneDrive helps determine if the sync failure is specific to the Teams or SharePoint environment.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Editing

If complex macro-enabled Excel workbooks continue to cause synchronization issues in SharePoint, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative with robust spreadsheet capabilities and excellent format compatibility.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer.
2. Install and Open: Run the installer, then open WPS Spreadsheets to load your existing .xlsm or .xlsx files.
3. Edit Without Hassle: Enjoy a smooth, familiar spreadsheet editing experience without complex sync barriers.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xlsm, .csv).Free and lightweight, consuming fewer system resources on your device.Familiar user interface makes migrating from Microsoft Office effortless.Built-in cloud support for reliable file sharing and management.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a definitive list of Excel features that prevent co-authoring in SharePoint?

Microsoft does not provide a complete, definitive list of unsupported features. However, active macro editing, altering table structures, using legacy form controls, and custom GET.CELL functions are widely known to cause sync conflicts and trigger upload failures.

Why does the Upload Blocked error happen even when I am the only user in the file?

This can occur if the file is locked by a background SharePoint sync process, if there are lingering background sessions from previous users, or if the workbook contains complex unsupported features that stall the synchronization engine.

Will upgrading to 64-bit Excel fix the Upload Failed error?

Upgrading all co-authors to the exact same 64-bit version of Microsoft 365 Excel can significantly reduce synchronization conflicts caused by mixed-architecture environments, though it may not fully resolve issues rooted in extreme workbook complexity.

Document & File Issues