OneDrive Error Codes

Fix OneDrive Error: The Server Is Not Available Right Now in Excel

Steve K Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to open, move, share, or download Excel files stored in OneDrive because the system reports that the server is unavailable.

How to Fix OneDrive Error 'The Server Is Not Available Right Now'

Product: Microsoft OneDrive / Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to access, download, or manage Excel files hosted on OneDrive across one or multiple devices.
Observed behavior: The system blocks access to the files and displays the error message 'The server is not available right now.'

Before you start

Ensure your internet connection is stable and verify that you are signed into the correct Microsoft account associated with your OneDrive files.

Solution 1Recommended

Check Microsoft 365 Service Status

Since this error is often caused by a temporary Microsoft server outage, verifying the official service status is the most effective first step.

Microsoft 365 and OneDrive occasionally experience temporary service interruptions or scheduled maintenance. During these periods, cloud files may become temporarily inaccessible across all devices.

Access the Service Health Portal

Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft 365 Service Status page.

Check for Outages

Look for any reported issues under 'OneDrive for Business', 'OneDrive', or 'Office on the web'. If an outage is indicated by a warning icon, Microsoft is already working on a fix.

Wait and Retry

If an outage is confirmed, wait for Microsoft to resolve the service interruption and try accessing your Excel files again later.

Temporary Issue: Service outages are generally resolved within a few hours. Your files remain safe on the servers during this time.

Solution 2

Contact Microsoft Support for Investigation

If there are no reported server outages but the error persists across multiple devices, Microsoft Support must investigate your account logs.

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Use WPS Office for Reliable Local and Cloud File Management

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1. Download and Install: Visit the WPS official website, download the free installation package, and install it on your device.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive say the server is not available?

This error is usually caused by temporary Microsoft backend service outages, server maintenance, or account synchronization glitches that prevent communication between your device and OneDrive.

Can I access my OneDrive Excel files offline during this error?

If you have previously synced the files to your local device using the OneDrive desktop application and marked them as 'Always keep on this device', you can open the locally cached versions. Cloud-only files will remain inaccessible until the server reconnects.

Does this error mean my Excel files are lost or corrupted?

No, this is strictly a temporary connectivity or service availability issue. Your files are safely stored on Microsoft's servers and will become fully accessible once the service is restored.

Microsoft Office Error Codes