How to Co-author Macro-Enabled Excel and PowerPoint Files in Microsoft 365
Question details
The user wants to know how to enable real-time co-authoring and auto-saving for macro-enabled Excel (.xlsm) and PowerPoint (.pptm) files in Microsoft 365.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to collaborate with multiple users simultaneously on macro-enabled spreadsheets and presentations using desktop Office applications.
- Observed behavior
- Automatic saving and real-time collaboration features do not work when editing .xlsm and .pptm files in the Microsoft 365 desktop applications.
Ensure your files are saved in OneDrive or SharePoint, and identify whether the macros in your document are strictly necessary for your current collaboration session.
Convert Macro-Enabled Files to Standard Formats
Because native co-authoring is unsupported for macro files, the most effective workaround is to remove the macros and save the document as a standard file.
Microsoft 365's real-time co-authoring engine is fully optimized for standard modern formats like .xlsx and .pptx. Converting your file to one of these formats restores the automatic saving and live collaboration experience.
Launch your .xlsm or .pptm file in the respective Microsoft desktop application.
Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner, then select 'Save As' from the left-hand menu.
In the format dropdown, select 'Excel Workbook (*.xlsx)' or 'PowerPoint Presentation (*.pptx)'.
Ensure the save location is set to your OneDrive or SharePoint folder, then click 'Save' and invite your collaborators.
Submit Feature Feedback to Microsoft
Vote for macro co-authoring support on the official feedback portal to help Microsoft prioritize this feature in future updates.
Try WPS Office for a Lightweight, Compatible Experience
While co-authoring macro-enabled files remains a limitation within Microsoft 365 desktop apps, WPS Office offers a free, highly compatible alternative. It handles standard and macro-enabled files smoothly in a lightweight application, making it ideal for users who need a reliable office suite without the hefty subscription fees.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Download Free' button.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and open your .xlsm or .pptm files directly to continue working seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I co-author .xlsm or .pptm files in Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365's real-time co-authoring engine is built for modern XML-based formats like .xlsx and .pptx. Macro-enabled files contain legacy VBA code structures that currently prevent the real-time background syncing required for stable co-authoring.
Can I co-author macro-enabled Word documents (.docm)?
No, macro-enabled Word documents (.docm) face the exact same limitations as Excel and PowerPoint. Real-time co-authoring and auto-saving are not supported for these files in desktop Office applications.
How do I safely share a macro-enabled file with my team?
You can still store .xlsm and .pptm files on OneDrive or SharePoint for centralized access. However, users must open and edit the file one at a time, or use the 'Check Out' feature in SharePoint, to prevent conflicting changes.
Will Microsoft ever add co-authoring support for macro files?
Microsoft has not officially announced full support for co-authoring macro-enabled files. Users are encouraged to vote on the Microsoft Feedback portal to increase the visibility and priority of this feature request.
