How to Clear a Pending Excel Upload After Deleting the File
Question details
The user needs to know how to resolve an issue where an Excel file upload remains in a pending status even after the original source file has been deleted from the device.

- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Troubleshooting a stuck file upload or syncing queue when the source document is no longer available on the system.
- Observed behavior
- The Excel upload process stays continuously pending, and the system fails to clear the queue or recognize that the source file has been removed.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection and take note of any specific error codes displayed on your screen before proceeding with the troubleshooting steps.
Troubleshoot and Isolate the Pending Upload Issue
Use this method to identify whether the pending upload is caused by a local file glitch, a network interruption, or a cloud syncing error.
When an upload remains pending after a file is deleted, the upload center or cloud sync service is often trying to process a cached version of the document. Isolating the cause is the first step to clearing the queue.
Check whether the pending upload issue affects only the deleted file or if all your files are failing to upload. Confirm if the original file was saved locally on your hard drive or in a cloud storage folder like OneDrive.
Note down the exact error message provided by the application. Check and record your computer's operating system version and the specific version of Excel you are currently running.
Disconnect from your current Wi-Fi or wired network and connect to a different network, such as a mobile hotspot. This helps determine if network restrictions are preventing the upload queue from refreshing.
Create a new, blank Excel document and save it. Attempt to upload this new file. If it uploads successfully, the original pending issue is isolated to the deleted file's cache, which can usually be resolved by restarting the sync client.

Avoid Syncing Errors with WPS Office
If you are tired of dealing with pending uploads and complicated cloud syncing errors in Microsoft Office, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, intuitive experience with highly reliable cloud saving and full compatibility with your existing spreadsheets.
- 1. Download and install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installer and complete the setup process on your device.
- 2. Sign in to enable cloud sync: Create or log into your WPS account to activate your free WPS Cloud storage for reliable automatic backups.
- 3. Open your Excel files: Double-click your existing .xlsx files to open them instantly in WPS Spreadsheet without worrying about formatting loss.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does an Excel upload remain pending after the file is deleted?
This occurs because the application's upload cache or the cloud synchronization service still holds temporary data for the file, and it is continually attempting to complete the upload process despite the original source missing.
How can I force close a pending upload in Excel?
You can resolve this by opening the Office Upload Center (or your specific cloud client), locating the pending file in the queue, and manually selecting the option to discard changes or delete the file from the cache.
Does my network connection affect pending file uploads?
Yes. An unstable, restrictive, or intermittent internet connection can interrupt communication with cloud servers, causing uploads to hang indefinitely in a pending state.




