How to Fix OneDrive Upload Failed for Excel Macro-Enabled Files
Question details
The user is experiencing an 'Upload failed' error when syncing an Excel macro-enabled workbook to OneDrive, despite it working correctly on other devices.

- Product
- Microsoft Excel / OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Syncing a macro-enabled Excel workbook to OneDrive and encountering version conflicts.
- Observed behavior
- The file fails to upload on a specific device, prompting a message to refresh because a newer version exists.
Ensure you have your Microsoft 365 credentials handy and temporarily save a local copy of your macro-enabled workbook under a new name to prevent any data loss.
Test File Synchronization via SharePoint Online
Pause OneDrive syncing and try opening the file directly from SharePoint to isolate whether the issue lies with the local Excel app or the OneDrive client.
By bypassing the local OneDrive synchronization folder, you can determine if the local cache is causing the version conflict.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your taskbar, click the Help & Settings gear icon, and select 'Pause syncing'.
Open your web browser, navigate to your SharePoint Online document library, and locate the affected Excel macro-enabled file.
Select the file, click on the 'Open' dropdown menu at the top, and choose 'Open in Desktop App'.
Make a minor edit in the Excel desktop application and click 'Save' to see if the upload error still triggers.

Reset and Reinstall OneDrive
Clear the OneDrive cache and reinstall the application to resolve underlying synchronization conflicts causing the upload failure.
Submit a Microsoft 365 Support Ticket
If local troubleshooting fails, escalate the issue so Microsoft support can analyze the sync logs and investigate your specific device environment.
Edit Macro-Enabled Workbooks Seamlessly with WPS Office
Avoid complex OneDrive synchronization errors by switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible environment for editing Excel macro-enabled files locally and saving them securely without cloud conflicts.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free from the official website.
- 2. Open Your Workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheets, click on 'Open', and select your local Excel macro-enabled file (.xlsm).
- 3. Edit and Save: Edit your VBA macros smoothly and save the document locally or sync it using the reliable WPS Cloud.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive say a newer version exists when uploading my Excel file?
This error occurs when there is a version conflict between the local cache on your device and the file stored on Microsoft servers. It typically happens if synchronization was interrupted or if another user modified the file while your device was offline.
Can I still access my Excel macro-enabled file if the OneDrive upload fails?
Yes. Your local version is still available on your device. It is highly recommended to immediately use 'Save As' to store a copy of the file in a different local folder to ensure no data is lost while troubleshooting.
Does resetting the OneDrive cache delete my files?
No, resetting or clearing the OneDrive cache only refreshes the synchronization settings and background processes. It does not delete any of your personal files, folders, or cloud data.
How can I bypass OneDrive sync errors for a specific Excel workbook?
You can bypass sync issues by logging into SharePoint Online via your web browser, downloading a fresh copy of the workbook to your local drive, manually copying your recent changes over, and then uploading the newly saved version.




