VBA & Macro Problems

Fix Excel Macro Disappearing and SharePoint Sync Failures

Bushra Parveen Oct 14, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing missing macros and synchronization failures when co-authoring macro-enabled Excel workbooks stored in SharePoint.

Fix Excel Macro Disappearing and SharePoint Sync Failures

Product: Microsoft Excel, SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Multiple users are attempting to edit interconnected macro-enabled workbooks stored on SharePoint concurrently.
Observed behavior: Macros disappear from the macro list even though the VBA code remains in the editor, and synchronization or change merging fails during concurrent editing.

Before you start

Ensure that all users co-authoring the workbook have a stable internet connection and are running the most recent update of Microsoft 365 desktop applications.

Solution 1Recommended

Submit a Support Request to Microsoft 365 Admin

Since this issue is often tied to unsupported co-authoring behaviors or recent Microsoft 365 updates, opening an official service request is the most effective approach.

Co-authoring macro-enabled workbooks (.xlsm) in SharePoint can sometimes trigger synchronization conflicts, especially when interconnected data or complex VBA scripts are involved. A recent Microsoft update may have also altered how macros are displayed in the shared environment.

Access Microsoft 365 Admin Center

Ask your IT administrator to log in to the Microsoft 365 admin center using their administrator credentials.

Navigate to Support

On the left navigation pane, click on 'Support' and then select 'New service request'.

Detail the Issue

Provide comprehensive details to the support team, including your exact Office build version, workbook setup, the specific macros affected, and the synchronization error codes encountered.

Submit a Support Request to Microsoft 365 Admin

Unsupported Co-authoring Limitations: Co-authoring in Excel is generally not fully supported for workbooks actively executing or editing complex VBA macros, which often leads to sync conflicts.

Solution 2

Require Check Out for SharePoint Files

Force exclusive access to the workbook to prevent co-authoring conflicts and ensure macros remain intact.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for Seamless and Reliable Spreadsheet Management

If you frequently encounter synchronization issues and macro conflicts with Microsoft Office, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and user-friendly environment for managing all your spreadsheets and complex datasets without the overhead.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installation file and follow the on-screen prompts to set up the software.
3. Open Your Workbooks: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your .xlsm files directly to manage your data and macros locally without sync conflicts.

Excellent compatibility with Microsoft Excel formats including .xlsx, .xlsm, and .csv.Stable environment for handling macros and interconnected spreadsheet data.Lightweight software architecture that runs smoothly even on older devices.Free to use with familiar features, requiring zero learning curve to migrate.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my Excel macros disappear from the macro list when saved on SharePoint?

This often happens due to concurrent synchronization conflicts or security restrictions in SharePoint that temporarily block macro visibility, even though the underlying VBA code remains intact in the editor.

Can multiple users co-author a macro-enabled workbook simultaneously?

While co-authoring is partially supported for .xlsm files, executing or editing complex VBA macros while multiple users are actively editing often leads to synchronization failures and merging errors.

How can I prevent sync conflicts in SharePoint Excel files?

You can require users to 'Check Out' the document before editing via SharePoint Library Settings. This locks the file for a single user, preventing concurrent editing conflicts with macros.

Does checking out the file resolve macro visibility issues?

Yes, checking out the file ensures exclusive access, which allows the spreadsheet application to reliably read and execute the macros without interference from background SharePoint synchronization processes.

Excel & Data Problems