How to Fix Excel Upload Failed Error by Clearing Cache and Credentials
Question details
The user needs to resolve an Excel upload failed message that is caused by invalid authentication credentials or corrupted cached files.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Trying to upload or sync an Excel spreadsheet to a cloud service but encountering an upload failure notification.
- Observed behavior
- Excel repeatedly displays an Upload Failed message and fails to sync the document, requiring a credential reset and cache clearance.
Before proceeding, please ensure you have saved a local copy of your Excel file to your desktop or hard drive to prevent any accidental data loss while clearing the cache.
Clear Windows Credentials and Sign In Again
Remove stored, corrupted Office login credentials to force a fresh authentication session and restore syncing capabilities.
Often, the upload failed error is caused by expired or conflicting account credentials saved in Windows. Deleting these credentials forces Excel to prompt you for a fresh, secure login.
Open Excel, sign out of your Microsoft account, and completely close the application.
Click the Windows Start button, search for 'Control Panel', navigate to 'User Accounts', and select 'Credential Manager'.
Click on 'Windows Credentials'. Under the 'Generic Credentials' section, locate any entries starting with 'MicrosoftOffice', click the drop-down arrow next to them, and select 'Remove'.
Reopen Excel and sign in again using your current Microsoft account credentials to refresh your connection.
Clear the Microsoft Office Upload Center Cache
Delete stuck or corrupted temporary files in the Office Upload Center that are blocking new document uploads.
Install Microsoft Office Updates
Update Office to the latest version to patch any known synchronization bugs.
Avoid Sync Errors with WPS Office
If you frequently encounter upload failed messages and sync issues in Microsoft Office, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with seamless built-in cloud saving features.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free version of WPS Office.
- 2. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and easily open your existing .xlsx files without worrying about compatibility.
- 3. Enable Cloud Sync: Sign in to your WPS account and enable WPS Cloud to securely auto-save and sync your work across all devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel keep saying upload failed?
This typically happens when your Microsoft account session expires, your password was recently changed, or the Office document cache has become corrupted, preventing the software from securely communicating with the cloud server.
Will deleting cached files in Office Upload Center delete my documents?
No, deleting cached files only removes the temporary sync copies stored on your local drive. Your original files remain untouched. However, it is always recommended to save a local backup of any unsynced work before clearing the cache.
How do I know if my Office credentials are corrupted?
Corrupted credentials usually manifest as repeated prompts to sign in, generic Upload Failed messages, or sudden sync errors even when your internet connection is stable and your password is correct.
Can I disable the Microsoft Office Upload Center entirely?
You cannot completely uninstall the Upload Center as it is deeply integrated into Microsoft Office's sync engine. However, you can hide its icon from the notification area via the Upload Center settings.
