Data Import & Export

How to Fix Missing Microsoft Forms Responses in Exported Excel File

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to recover complete survey data because some responses are missing when exporting from Microsoft Forms to an Excel workbook.

Product: Microsoft Forms / Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Exporting survey or quiz responses from Microsoft Forms to a local Excel file for data analysis and record-keeping.
Observed behavior: The exported Excel workbook and the individual response view omit certain responses (e.g., 13 through 16), even though they are visible in the linked Excel Online workbook.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and verify that your Microsoft 365 account has the correct permissions to view and export the full dataset from Microsoft Forms.

Solution 1Recommended

Download a Direct Copy from Excel Online

Since the responses appear correctly in Excel Online, downloading a copy directly from the web app can bypass the Forms export glitch.

Often, the connection between Microsoft Forms and the downloaded export file experiences temporary syncing issues. By bypassing the direct export button and downloading the source workbook from Excel Online, you can capture the complete dataset.

Open Forms in Excel Online

Navigate to your Microsoft Forms survey, go to the 'Responses' tab, and click 'Open in Excel'. This launches the linked workbook in Excel Online where all responses are visible.

Access the File Menu

In Excel Online, click on the 'File' tab located in the top-left corner of the ribbon.

Download a Copy

Select 'Save as' from the sidebar menu, then click on 'Download a copy' to save the complete workbook to your local computer.

Data Verification: Once downloaded, open the file locally to confirm that the previously missing rows are now present.

Solution 2

Try a Different Web Browser or Incognito Mode

A browser cache issue or glitch may prevent the exported file from compiling all responses accurately.

Solution 3

Create a Microsoft Support Ticket

If the data remains missing after trying alternative browsers and direct downloads, the issue requires backend support from Microsoft.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Your Exported Data Seamlessly with WPS Office

While Microsoft Forms glitches require online workarounds to export successfully, you can seamlessly open, analyze, and visualize your exported Excel data using WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative for managing your spreadsheets offline without complex syncing errors.

1. Download WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office on your computer for free.
2. Open Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and click on 'Spreadsheet'.
3. Analyze Data: Click 'Open', select your downloaded Microsoft Forms responses file, and start analyzing your complete dataset.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv).Powerful data analysis tools including PivotTables and advanced formulas.Lightweight installation and fast loading times for large datasets.Familiar user interface requiring zero learning curve for Excel users.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are some Microsoft Forms responses missing in my exported Excel file?

This usually happens due to a syncing glitch between Microsoft Forms and Excel Online, or browser cache issues that prevent the export script from retrieving the full dataset during the download process.

Does clearing my browser cache help with Forms export issues?

Yes, clearing your cache or using an Incognito/Private window can resolve temporary browser-related glitches that cause incomplete file downloads from Microsoft 365 web apps.

Can I use Power Automate to prevent missing Microsoft Forms responses?

Yes, you can set up a Power Automate flow to automatically record each new Microsoft Forms response directly into a designated Excel file, which creates a more reliable real-time backup independent of the default export button.

How do I ensure my Microsoft Forms responses are always up to date in Excel?

For surveys originally created from OneDrive or Excel Online, the data syncs automatically to the cloud workbook. Ensure you always open the latest version via the 'Open in Excel' button in the Forms Responses tab before downloading a local copy.

Excel & Data Problems