How to Request Two-Way Synchronization Between Excel Tables
Question details
The user wants to know how to request or implement two-way synchronization between a master Excel table and linked tables or views, so changes made in any connected view update the master table and all other views without macros or advanced applications.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Maintaining a master Excel table with multiple linked tables or views and keeping all connected data updated.
- Observed behavior
- Excel does not provide built-in automatic two-way synchronization between independent tables by default.
Open the workbook where the master table will be used, and confirm whether the data currently lives in one Excel table or in multiple independent tables. This will help you decide between a centralized filtered view, a feedback request, or a connected Power Query/Power Automate workflow.
Use one centralized Excel table with filtered views
Use this when you can restructure the data into a single master table and only need focused views of the same data.
Excel does not synchronize independent tables two-way by default, but keeping one master table eliminates the need for synchronization. Filtered views display the same source data, so edits in the master table are reflected everywhere.
Open your workbook in Excel, select the data range, go to Insert > Table, or press Ctrl+T, and enable My table has headers.
Enter and update records only in this master table so there is one source of truth.
Use the table filter arrows or Insert > Slicer to create focused views of the master table without creating separate copied tables.
Submit a two-way synchronization request through Excel Feedback
Use this when you want to officially request the feature from the Microsoft Excel team.
Evaluate Power Query, Power Apps, or Power Automate for connected tables
Use this when you need more automated or app-based synchronization and are willing to use Microsoft Power Platform tools.
Manage Excel files in WPS Office Spreadsheets
WPS Office does not add automatic two-way sync between independent Excel files, but WPS Spreadsheets is a free, lightweight Office alternative that opens, edits, and saves .xlsx files with a familiar interface. You can keep a single master table and use filtered views to reduce the need for multiple disconnected copies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Excel support automatic two-way synchronization between two tables?
No, Excel does not have a built-in feature that automatically syncs independent tables in both directions. You can submit a request through File > Feedback > Send a Suggestion or use workarounds such as a centralized table or Power Query.
Can I make two Excel tables update each other without macros?
Not natively. The closest no-code approach is to keep one master table and use filtered views or Power Query refresh. True bidirectional updates between separate tables usually require Power Automate or a custom solution.
How do I submit a feature request for Excel table synchronization?
Open Excel, go to File > Feedback > Send a Suggestion, describe the two-way synchronization request, and submit it. You can also use the Microsoft Excel feedback portal.
Will WPS Office Spreadsheet sync two Excel tables automatically?
WPS Spreadsheets opens and edits .xlsx files, but it does not provide automatic two-way synchronization between independent tables. Use one centralized workbook and filtered views to avoid managing multiple disconnected copies.
What is the best immediate workaround for linked Excel tables?
Keep the data in one Excel Table, and use filters or slicers for different views. It does not sync separate files, but all views reference the same source data.
