OneDrive File Issues

Why a Copied OneDrive Excel File Does Not Update (Solved)

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know why changes made to an original Excel workbook are not reflected in a copy saved to OneDrive for Power BI reporting.

Product: Microsoft Excel, OneDrive, Power BI
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Using a shared Excel workbook as a data source for Power BI by copying it to a OneDrive folder.
Observed behavior: The copied Excel file in OneDrive behaves as an independent file and does not receive automatic updates or changes made to the original shared workbook.

Before you start

Ensure you have the appropriate access permissions for both the original shared Excel workbook and the target Power BI workspace before adjusting your data source settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Connect Power BI Directly to the Original Workbook

Bypassing the disconnected copied file ensures that Power BI always pulls the most recent data directly from the active original workbook.

When you copy a file, OneDrive treats it as a completely independent document. The OneDrive AutoSave feature only synchronizes changes within the exact same file, not across separate copies.

To resolve this syncing issue for reporting purposes, you must connect Power BI directly to the original source file rather than relying on a static duplicate.

Locate the original file URL

Open the original shared Excel workbook in Excel Online or SharePoint, navigate to 'File' > 'Info', and click 'Copy link' to get the direct path.

Update the Power BI data source

Open your Power BI report, navigate to 'Data Source Settings', and replace the copied file's URL with the newly copied URL of the original workbook.

Refresh your dataset

Click the 'Refresh' button in Power BI to immediately pull the latest changes directly from the original shared file.

Best Practice: Connecting directly to the original file eliminates the need for manual file copying and ensures your Power BI dashboards remain fully automated and up-to-date.

Solution 2

Establish an Automated Synchronization Workflow

Use this method if organizational rules strictly require a separate copied file in a specific OneDrive folder but you still need it to reflect original changes.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Collaboration

Dealing with complex Microsoft Office sync rules and external data integrations can be frustrating. WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for creating, editing, and co-authoring spreadsheets in real-time without the hassle of duplicate files.

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 files directly: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and easily open your existing .xlsx files without losing any formatting or data.
3. Collaborate in real-time: Save your spreadsheet to WPS Cloud and use the 'Share' button to invite colleagues to edit the same live document.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) formats.Real-time co-authoring capabilities so teams can edit the exact same file simultaneously.Free and lightweight alternative to heavy Microsoft Office subscriptions.Built-in WPS Cloud storage ensures instant file synchronization across all your devices.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Does OneDrive AutoSave sync data across duplicated Excel files?

No, OneDrive AutoSave only synchronizes changes made within the exact same file. Once an Excel file is copied or duplicated, the new copy becomes an independent document and will not automatically receive updates from the original.

How do I ensure Power BI always displays the latest Excel data?

To ensure Power BI shows the latest data, link your Power BI dataset directly to the original shared workbook stored in OneDrive or SharePoint via the Data Source Settings, rather than linking to a static copy of the file.

Can I link multiple Excel files together in OneDrive without copying the whole file?

Yes, you can use Power Query or external workbook links in Excel to pull specific data ranges from one workbook into another, ensuring that data stays connected without creating a completely disconnected copy.

Document & File Issues