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How to Use Microsoft Forms for Recurring Anonymous Feedback Surveys

Partner Editor Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to use Microsoft Forms for recurring anonymous feedback surveys and how to compare the collected results over time.

Using Microsoft Forms for Recurring Anonymous Feedback Surveys

Product: Microsoft Forms
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Conducting recurring anonymous surveys and tracking feedback changes across different time periods.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Forms allows users to copy forms to clear past responses, but it lacks built-in tools for longitudinal data comparison, requiring manual spreadsheet exports to track changes.

Before you start

Ensure you have owner access to the original Microsoft Form you wish to duplicate and a spreadsheet application installed to analyze the exported response data.

Solution 1Recommended

Duplicate the Form for Recurring Feedback

Copying an existing form creates a blank version with the identical structure and questions, ensuring new anonymous feedback isn't mixed with previous responses.

This method is ideal if you want to keep data strictly separated by quarters, months, or specific feedback rounds. Copied forms do not carry over previous answers.

Locate the form

Log into Microsoft Forms and locate the specific feedback survey you want to reuse.

Open more options

Click on the three dots (...) located in the bottom-right corner of the specific form's tile.

Copy the form

Select 'Copy' from the dropdown menu to generate a new version of the form with zero responses.

Rename the duplicate

Open the newly copied form, click on its title, and rename it to reflect the current feedback period (e.g., 'Q3 Feedback').

Share the link

Click 'Collect responses' to generate a new sharing link and send it to your survey participants.

Duplicate the Form for Recurring Feedback

Single Link Option: If you do not need to separate data by time periods within Forms, you can simply send the original form link to all participants and let all responses accumulate in one continuous form.

Solution 2

Export Responses to Excel for Comparison

Since Microsoft Forms cannot automatically compare results over time, you must export the data to a spreadsheet for manual analysis.

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Analyze Exported Survey Data Easily with WPS Office

Since Microsoft Forms requires you to export responses to Excel for longitudinal comparison, consider using WPS Office to manage and analyze your spreadsheets. It is a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative to Microsoft Office that perfectly handles your downloaded survey data.

1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free to access WPS Spreadsheet, a robust and compatible data analysis tool.
2. Open exported survey data: Locate the Excel (.xlsx) files you exported from Microsoft Forms and open them directly in WPS Spreadsheet.
3. Analyze and compare: Use the built-in data consolidation, PivotTables, and charting tools to easily compare and track your recurring anonymous feedback over time.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats exported from Microsoft Forms.Lightweight design that opens large survey data files instantly without lagging.Familiar spreadsheet interface for easy data merging and trend comparison.Built-in advanced chart and PivotTable features to visualize recurring feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Microsoft Forms automatically track survey changes over time?

No, Microsoft Forms does not offer built-in longitudinal tracking for recurring surveys. You must export the response data to a spreadsheet application like Excel or WPS Spreadsheet to manually compare results across multiple time periods.

Will copying a Microsoft Form also copy its previous responses?

No, using the 'Copy' feature in Microsoft Forms only duplicates the questions, overall structure, and visual theme. The new form will start with zero responses, making it perfect for a fresh round of feedback.

How do I ensure my Microsoft Form remains truly anonymous?

To keep a form anonymous, click the three dots in the top right corner of the form, go to Settings, and under 'Who can fill out this form', ensure that the 'Record name' option is unchecked. Also, ensure your survey does not include specific questions asking for personally identifiable information.

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