Why AutoSave and Coauthoring Are Missing in Excel 2021
Question details
Users are unable to find the AutoSave feature or collaborate on shared documents simultaneously when using Excel 2021.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel 2021
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to automatically save changes in real-time and coauthor a shared workbook stored in OneDrive.
- Observed behavior
- The AutoSave toggle is missing from the interface, simultaneous editing is not possible, and the file becomes locked when another user opens it for editing.
Verify your Microsoft Office version by opening Excel, clicking on 'File', and selecting 'Account' to see if you are using a perpetual license (Excel 2021) or a subscription (Microsoft 365).
Use Excel for the Web for Real-Time Collaboration
Since AutoSave and modern coauthoring are exclusive to Microsoft 365 subscriptions, users with Excel 2021 can use the free web version of Excel to collaborate in real-time.
Excel 2021 is a one-time purchase (perpetual license) that does not include premium cloud-connected features like AutoSave and real-time coauthoring. These features are strictly reserved for Microsoft 365 subscribers.
If you do not want to upgrade your license, you can bypass this limitation by collaborating through your web browser.
Save your Excel workbook to OneDrive or SharePoint and close the desktop application to prevent file locking.
Navigate to the OneDrive website, sign in with your Microsoft account, and locate your uploaded Excel file.
Click on the file to open it in your browser. AutoSave will be enabled automatically.
Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner to send an edit link to your colleagues. Everyone using the web version can now type and edit simultaneously.
Enable the Legacy Shared Workbooks Feature
If you must collaborate entirely within the Excel 2021 desktop app, you can restore the older 'Shared Workbook' feature, though it does not provide a real-time typing experience.
Seamlessly Collaborate and AutoSave with WPS Office
Don't let expensive subscription models hold your team back. WPS Office provides a powerful, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that includes built-in cloud storage, automatic saving, and robust collaboration tools completely for free.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Upload to WPS Cloud: Open your spreadsheet in WPS Office and save it directly to WPS Cloud to enable continuous automatic saving.
- 3. Invite Collaborators: Use the built-in share feature to generate a collaboration link and edit documents in real-time with your team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get AutoSave on Excel 2021 without buying a subscription?
No, AutoSave is a premium cloud feature exclusive to Microsoft 365 subscribers. Excel 2021 includes 'AutoRecover', which periodically saves backup copies in case of a crash, but it does not continuously save changes to the cloud like AutoSave.
Why does my shared Excel file say 'locked for editing'?
In Excel 2021, real-time coauthoring is not supported. If a workbook is stored on OneDrive or a shared network and someone opens it in the Excel 2021 desktop app, the system locks the file for other users to prevent conflicting edits.
What is the difference between AutoSave and AutoRecover?
AutoSave continuously saves your modifications in real-time to OneDrive or SharePoint and allows for coauthoring. AutoRecover is a safety feature that locally saves a temporary backup of your file every few minutes, designed only to recover data after an unexpected application closure.
Will coauthoring work if one person has Microsoft 365 and the other has Excel 2021?
No. For real-time coauthoring to function, all users must open the document using a supported platform, such as Microsoft 365 desktop apps, Excel for iOS/Android, or Excel for the Web. The user on Excel 2021 will cause the file to become locked.
