SharePoint Document Issues

How to Recover Missing Data in a Microsoft Forms Synced Spreadsheet

Camila Milosovich Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to recover manually entered data that disappeared after syncing Microsoft Forms to a new spreadsheet, and wants to know how to reconnect the form to the original SharePoint file.

How to Recover Missing Data in a Microsoft Forms Synced Spreadsheet

Product: Microsoft Forms and SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a new spreadsheet or resyncing Microsoft Forms to SharePoint to update response data.
Observed behavior: Manually entered column data was removed, and previously deleted test rows reappeared in the newly created spreadsheet.

Before you start

Before attempting to unlink or relink your form, download a local copy of your current SharePoint spreadsheet to ensure your manually entered data is safely backed up.

Solution 1Recommended

Unlink and Relink the Spreadsheet to Restore Data

Use this method to refresh the connection between Microsoft Forms and SharePoint while preserving your manual data entries.

A newly synchronized spreadsheet will only pull raw response data directly from Microsoft Forms. It does not carry over manually added values, columns, or custom formatting from previous spreadsheet versions.

Navigate to Form Responses

Open Microsoft Forms in your web browser, select your form, and click on the 'Responses' tab at the top of the page.

Unlink the Current Spreadsheet

Click the More options menu (three dots) located next to the 'Open in Excel' icon, and select 'Disconnect' or 'Unlink' to stop the current synchronization.

Establish a New Link

Click the 'Open in Excel' icon again to generate and link a new response spreadsheet within your SharePoint environment.

Restore Manually Entered Data

Open the backup copy of your previous spreadsheet, select the manually entered columns, and paste them into the newly synchronized SharePoint spreadsheet.

Unlink and Relink the Spreadsheet to Restore Data

Handling Test Rows: To prevent deleted test rows from reappearing in the new spreadsheet, you must delete the test responses directly inside the Microsoft Forms interface before relinking.

Solution 2

Escalate Persistent Synchronization Problems

If relinking does not restore the connection properly or data continues to fail to sync, the issue may require backend troubleshooting.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Spreadsheet Data Seamlessly with WPS Office

If cloud synchronization issues with Microsoft Office disrupt your workflow, consider downloading your form responses and managing them offline using WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free alternative for secure data analysis.

1. Export Responses: Download your Microsoft Forms response data as an Excel file (.xlsx) to your local computer.
2. Open with WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office, select the Spreadsheet module, and open your downloaded file.
3. Analyze and Edit Offline: Use WPS Spreadsheet's built-in tools to add manual columns and formulas without worrying about cloud sync overwriting your changes.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formatsRobust data analysis tools to manage form responses effectivelyLightweight desktop application that works perfectly offlineFamiliar spreadsheet interface with zero learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my manually added columns disappear in the new Forms spreadsheet?

When you generate a new synchronized spreadsheet, Microsoft Forms only exports the raw response data it holds. It cannot recover custom columns or edits you made solely within the previous SharePoint Excel file.

Does editing the SharePoint spreadsheet sync data back to Microsoft Forms?

No. The synchronization is strictly one-way, pushing data from Microsoft Forms to the SharePoint spreadsheet. Any manual data entry or deletion in the spreadsheet will not be reflected in Forms.

How do I permanently remove test responses from my synced spreadsheet?

To ensure test rows do not reappear when a new spreadsheet is created, you must delete those specific responses directly from the 'Responses' tab inside Microsoft Forms prior to syncing.

Document & File Issues