How to Redirect Users from an Old Microsoft Form to a New Form
Question details
The user wants to automatically redirect respondents from an older Microsoft Form that is still collecting responses to a newly created form.
- Product
- Microsoft Forms
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Migrating data collection from an outdated form to a new form while ensuring respondents are guided to the correct link.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Forms lacks a native automatic redirect feature, meaning users who visit the old link will still see the old form instead of being forwarded to the new one.
Before proceeding, make sure you have copied the shareable link to your new Microsoft Form and verify that you have editing permissions for the old form.
Disable the Old Form and Provide the New Link
Since Microsoft Forms does not offer a native automatic redirect, the best workaround is to stop accepting responses on the old form and customize the closing message to include the link to the new form.
By turning off the ability to accept responses, you ensure no new data is submitted to the old form. Respondents will instead see a custom message containing a clickable link to your new form.
Log into Microsoft Forms, open the old form, click the three-dot menu (...) in the top right corner, and select 'Settings'.
Under the 'Options for responses' section, uncheck the box next to 'Accept responses'.
Once you uncheck 'Accept responses', a text box will appear labeled 'Message to recipients'. Type a brief explanation and paste the URL of your new form here (e.g., 'This form is closed. Please submit your responses here: [Link]').
Use a Custom Webpage Redirect
If you embedded the old form on your website or used a custom vanity URL to share it, you can handle the redirect on your own server.
Analyze Form Responses with WPS Office
While managing Microsoft Forms, you often need to export responses to Excel for analysis. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that allows you to seamlessly open, edit, and analyze exported form data without a subscription.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Get the free installation package from the official WPS Office website.
- 2. Export Form Data: In Microsoft Forms, go to the Responses tab and click 'Open in Excel' to download your data.
- 3. Analyze in WPS Spreadsheet: Open the downloaded Excel file using WPS Spreadsheet to view and analyze your respondents' data.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I merge the responses from my old and new Microsoft Forms?
Microsoft Forms does not have a built-in feature to merge responses automatically. You will need to export the responses from both forms to Excel and manually combine the data into a single spreadsheet.
Does Microsoft Forms support 301 redirects?
No, Microsoft Forms is hosted by Microsoft and does not allow users to configure HTTP 301 redirects natively. You must provide the new link in the form's closing message or use a redirect on your own domain.
How do I ensure respondents see the new link after submitting the old form?
If you want to keep the old form active temporarily, go to Settings > 'Customize thank you message' and paste the link to the new form so respondents see it immediately after submission.




