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Fix: Microsoft Forms Showing Existing Information to Other Users

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

Respondents are seeing existing information or previously submitted responses when opening a Microsoft Form instead of a clean, blank form.

Product: Microsoft Forms
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Sharing a form for multiple users to fill out and collect data.
Observed behavior: When users click the shared link, the form loads with pre-filled data from another respondent rather than starting empty.

Before you start

Ensure you have the correct owner permissions to access the Microsoft Form settings and manage the active sharing links.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify and Share the Correct Blank Form Link

Sharing a pre-filled link or a collaboration link by mistake is the most common reason users see existing data. You must share the standard response link.

Microsoft Forms offers different types of links for different purposes. If you copy a URL from your address bar while testing, it may contain session data. Always use the built-in share feature.

Open the form in edit mode

Log into Microsoft Forms and click on the form you want to share to open it in edit mode.

Click 'Collect responses'

Locate and click the 'Collect responses' or 'Send' button in the upper right corner of the screen.

Copy the standard link

Under the 'Send and collect responses' pane, click 'Copy' next to the standard URL. Ensure you are not copying a 'Share to collaborate' link.

Tip: Always test the copied link in a private browsing window to confirm it opens a completely blank form before sending it to a large audience.

Solution 2

Clear Browser Cache or Use Incognito Mode

Sometimes browser session data is reused, causing a previously filled form state to appear on the same device or network.

Solution 3

Confirm Audience and Permission Settings

Ensure the form is configured to accept responses from the intended audience properly without restricted session conflicts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a response link and a collaboration link in Microsoft Forms?

A response link is designed strictly for users to fill out the form and submit their answers. A collaboration link grants administrative access, allowing the recipient to view, edit the form structure, and see existing responses from other users.

Can respondents edit their previous submissions in Microsoft Forms?

By default, respondents cannot edit their submissions once sent. However, if the setting 'Allow respondents to edit their responses' is enabled in the form settings, they can modify their answers, which may cause them to see their previous data when reopening the link.

How do I create a brand new link if the old one is corrupted?

You can generate a fresh link by duplicating the form. Go to the Microsoft Forms portal, click the three dots on the form tile, select 'Copy', and then generate a new sharing link from the duplicated version.

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