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How to Fix Excel 'Sorry, Something Went Wrong' Network Error
Question details
The user encounters a recurring error message in Excel stating, 'Sorry, something went wrong. Please check your network connection and try again.'
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to open Excel, sign in to Microsoft 365, or sync files to cloud storage services.
- Observed behavior
- Excel fails to connect to the necessary online services and repeatedly displays a network error prompt, preventing regular usage.
Verify that your computer has an active internet connection by opening a web browser and loading a webpage. Additionally, check if other Office applications like Word are experiencing the same network issue.
Check and Modify LAN Settings
Incorrect Local Area Network (LAN) settings or proxy configurations can block Excel from accessing the internet, triggering the error.
Windows proxy and network detection settings are shared across Microsoft 365 applications. Resetting them to automatic often restores Excel's internet connectivity.
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type 'inetcpl.cpl' and press Enter to open the Internet Properties window.
Click on the 'Connections' tab at the top of the window, then click the 'LAN settings' button near the bottom.
Check the box for 'Automatically detect settings'. Ensure the box under Proxy server is unchecked, then click 'OK' to save.
Close Microsoft Excel completely and reopen it to see if the network connection error is resolved.
Flush DNS Cache and Reset Network
Clearing your DNS cache and resetting your network adapter can resolve underlying connection routing issues that block Microsoft 365 servers.
Test Excel on an Alternative Network
Testing a different network helps isolate whether the issue is with your current Wi-Fi router or the device itself.
Edit Spreadsheets Seamlessly with WPS Office
If Microsoft Excel continues to experience network or server errors, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible spreadsheet editor that works flawlessly both offline and online without subscription-related network interruptions.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your computer.
- 3. Open Your Excel Files: Launch WPS Spreadsheets, click 'Open', and select your existing Excel files to continue working without network errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel keep saying 'check your network connection'?
This usually happens when Excel tries to sync with Microsoft 365 services (like OneDrive or license verification) and is blocked by DNS issues, proxy settings, or local network instability.
Will repairing Microsoft Office fix this network error?
Yes, if the error is caused by corrupted Office installation files rather than actual network issues, running an Online Repair from the Windows Control Panel can resolve the connection problem.
Can firewall or antivirus software cause this Excel error?
Yes, overly strict firewall configurations or third-party antivirus software can block Excel's internet access, triggering this error message. Try temporarily disabling them to test the connection.
Does this error mean my Excel files are lost?
No, your locally saved files are safe. However, you may not be able to sync recent changes to OneDrive or SharePoint until the network connection issue is resolved.
