OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix Upload Blocked and Sync Errors During Excel Coauthoring

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users encounter upload blocked messages and version conflicts when multiple people coauthor a macro-enabled Excel workbook in OneDrive.

How to Fix Upload Blocked and Sync Errors During Excel Coauthoring

Product: Microsoft Excel, OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Multiple users are collaborating on a shared macro-enabled Excel file hosted on OneDrive.
Observed behavior: Users receive 'Upload Blocked', 'Discard Changes', or 'Save a Copy' prompts. Some users open outdated local versions despite OneDrive indicating complete synchronization.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, ensure all coauthors have a stable internet connection and have saved any unsynced local changes as a separate copy to prevent data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify AutoSave and Resolve OneDrive Synchronization Issues

Ensure that AutoSave is turned on for all users and OneDrive is actively syncing the workbook to prevent version conflicts.

Coauthoring in Excel requires AutoSave to be active and relies heavily on the OneDrive client to sync changes in real-time. If OneDrive is stuck or AutoSave is disabled, you will encounter sync errors.

Check AutoSave status

Open the Excel workbook and look at the top-left corner of the window. Ensure the AutoSave toggle is switched to the 'On' position.

Verify OneDrive connection

Click on the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac) to check if all files are up to date. Look for any red 'X' or sync warning symbols.

Resume syncing

If syncing is paused or stuck, click the gear icon in the OneDrive menu and select 'Resume syncing' or completely restart the OneDrive application.

Run troubleshooting tools

If the issue persists, search for and run the built-in Windows Troubleshooter or use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant to diagnose underlying OneDrive sync problems.

Verify AutoSave and Resolve OneDrive Synchronization Issues

Important: All coauthors must have AutoSave enabled for real-time collaboration to function properly without triggering the 'Upload Blocked' error.

Solution 2

Avoid Simultaneous Cell Edits and Restore Versions

Adopt best practices for coauthoring and use OneDrive Version History to recover the correct file if an older version was opened.

Solution 3

Update Microsoft Office and OneDrive Applications

Outdated software can cause coauthoring bugs, especially with complex macro-enabled workbooks.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Seamless Collaboration with WPS Office

If you frequently encounter sync errors, upload blocks, or version conflicts in Microsoft Excel, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with robust cloud collaboration features.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free suite and install it on your device.
2. Open your Excel Workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing .xlsx or .xlsm file without worrying about formatting loss.
3. Collaborate via WPS Cloud: Save your file to WPS Cloud and invite your team members to seamlessly coauthor the document in real time.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats, including .xlsx, .xlsm, and .csv.Smooth real-time coauthoring via WPS Cloud without frustrating sync conflicts.Lightweight installation with a familiar, easy-to-use interface.Free to download and use for your daily spreadsheet tasks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel say 'Upload Blocked' when coauthoring?

This error usually occurs when multiple users try to edit the same cells simultaneously, if there are conflicting changes in a macro-enabled workbook, or if your local OneDrive application is disconnected or out of sync with the cloud.

Can I coauthor a macro-enabled workbook (.xlsm) in Excel?

Yes, Microsoft Excel supports coauthoring for macro-enabled workbooks stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, provided all users are on a compatible Microsoft 365 version and AutoSave is enabled. However, running macros that change the workbook structure during coauthoring can easily cause sync issues.

How do I recover my data if I clicked 'Discard Changes'?

If you clicked 'Discard Changes', your local unsynced edits were removed. You can try recovering them by checking the 'Unsaved Files' folder in Excel (File > Info > Manage Workbook > Recover Unsaved Workbooks) or by checking the OneDrive Version History online for previous synced states.

Why is my OneDrive showing sync is complete but opening an old Excel version?

This happens when the Microsoft Office Document Cache becomes corrupted or out of sync with OneDrive. Clearing the Office cache (File > Options > Save > Cache Settings > Delete cached files) and restarting Excel usually resolves this discrepancy.

Document & File Issues