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Why Last Modified Time Appears in Microsoft Forms Excel Results
Question details
Understand why the 'Last Modified Time' column is visible in some Microsoft Forms survey results but missing in others.
- Product
- Microsoft Forms / Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Exporting and viewing Microsoft Forms survey response data in Excel.
- Observed behavior
- Some exported result files contain a Last Modified Time column, while others only show the five standard columns described in Microsoft's documentation.
Verify whether you are viewing the Microsoft Forms results directly in your web browser or opening a downloaded copy on your desktop.
View Downloaded Results in Excel Desktop
To see the Last Modified Time column, you must download the results and open them in a desktop spreadsheet application rather than viewing them online.
The difference in visible columns depends entirely on how the results are accessed. Microsoft Forms provides a simplified view when results are opened directly in Excel for the web.
When you open the results directly from Microsoft Forms into Excel for the web, the system only generates the five standard columns to optimize live web performance.
Navigate to the Responses tab in your Microsoft Form and click 'Open in Excel' to download a copy of the results to your local computer.
Locate the downloaded .xlsx file on your computer and open it using a desktop spreadsheet application. The downloaded file contains the complete metadata, including the 'Last Modified Time' column.
Analyze Form Results Seamlessly with WPS Office
Don't have a paid Microsoft subscription for your desktop? WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and user-friendly alternative that lets you open downloaded Microsoft Forms Excel files with complete data accuracy, including hidden metadata columns like Last Modified Time.
- 1. Download your form results: Export your Microsoft Forms data by downloading the Excel file to your computer.
- 2. Open with WPS Spreadsheet: Right-click the downloaded .xlsx file, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office to view all detailed columns instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I view the Last Modified Time column in Excel for the web?
No, Excel for the web provides a live, simplified view of Microsoft Forms results that only includes the standard five columns. To see the Last Modified Time, you must download the file and open it in a desktop application.
What are the standard five columns in Microsoft Forms?
The standard five columns typically displayed in the web view are ID, Start time, Completion time, Email, and Name.
Does the Last Modified Time change if a respondent edits their answers?
Yes. If your form settings allow respondents to edit their submissions, the Last Modified Time column will update to reflect the exact date and time the most recent changes were saved.
