Can Microsoft Forms Save Progress and Resume Later?
Question details
Users want to know if it is possible for respondents to save their partially completed Microsoft Form and return to finish it at a later time.
- Product
- Microsoft Forms
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Distributing lengthy surveys or complex data collection forms where respondents may not have the time or information to complete all questions in a single session.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Forms requires respondents to complete and submit the entire form in one sitting, as there is no built-in capability to save draft progress.
Since Microsoft Forms lacks a native save feature for respondents, consider breaking your lengthy questionnaire into multiple shorter forms or evaluating alternative Microsoft ecosystem tools before sending out your survey.
Use Power Apps and SharePoint for complex forms
Since native saving is unavailable in Microsoft Forms, creating a custom application using Power Apps connected to a SharePoint list allows users to save draft records and resume later.
This workaround is ideal for internal organizational surveys or complex data entry tasks where users have access to your company's Microsoft 365 environment.
It requires some technical familiarity with Power Apps and SharePoint lists, as you will be building a custom interface rather than using a standard Microsoft Form.
Navigate to your SharePoint site and create a new list. Add columns that correspond to the questions you originally intended to ask in your form.
From the command bar in your new SharePoint list, select 'Integrate', hover over 'Power Apps', and click 'Customize forms'.
In the Power Apps studio, add a 'Save as Draft' button. Configure its OnSelect property using the Patch function to write the user's current input to the SharePoint list with a 'Draft' status.
Save and publish your custom Power App. Share the app's link with your users, allowing them to create a draft record and return to edit it across multiple sessions before final submission.
Vote for the feature in the Microsoft Feedback Portal
If you do not want to use complex workarounds, you can help prioritize the development of a native save-and-resume feature by voting on the official Microsoft Feedback Portal.
Looking for a robust and lightweight productivity suite?
While Microsoft Forms is used for surveys, managing the exported data or handling complex office tasks requires reliable document software. WPS Office is a comprehensive, free office suite that offers an intuitive interface and flawless compatibility with standard office file formats.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded installation file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Manage your data: Launch WPS Spreadsheet to open, edit, and analyze CSV or Excel files exported directly from your forms with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the creator of a Microsoft Form save their progress?
Yes. When you are creating or designing a form in Microsoft Forms, all of your edits are automatically saved to the cloud in real-time. The lack of a save feature only affects respondents who are filling out the published form.
What happens if a respondent accidentally closes the browser tab while filling out a form?
Because Microsoft Forms does not save respondent progress locally or to the cloud, accidentally closing the browser tab or experiencing a crash will result in the loss of all entered data. The respondent will have to start over from the beginning.
Is there a time limit for a respondent to complete a Microsoft Form?
Microsoft Forms does not enforce a strict time limit natively. However, if the form is left idle for too long, the user's login session might expire (especially in organizational accounts), which can prevent the form from submitting successfully.
Are there any third-party add-ins for Microsoft Forms that add a save button?
No. Microsoft Forms is a closed web service and currently does not support third-party add-ins or extensions that would allow respondents to save their progress and resume later.
