Forum Discussion
SharePoint Online: Co-authoring with differing versions of Word
Great question, and yes. It would be great to get someone from MS describe the optimal configuration and also cover that error and other gotcha's. Having files locked from editing because someone is editing it and that someone is you is incredibly frustrating.
Versions
2010
2013 -
2016 - MSI installation vs. Click-to-Run
2016 Mac
Mobile Apps - For Android and iOS
What is required to have real-time (with clicking save) co-authoring Word, do you have to use Word Online? How about Excel?
Basically the only versions of Office that currently work are targeted release Office 2016. It may be in the semi-annual builds by now, but essentially, if you don't have the Auto save button on top, you cannot co-author using the office client. Anyone opening the file direct without Auto-save, it will lock the file for editing.Hi Christopher,
Can you clarify your statement?
We have been using Word 2013 when co-authoring through SharePoint Online for a couple of years. And, unfortunately, having editing/saving issues periodically.
Could you provide a screenshot of this Auto Save button?
Does this mean that you can't co-author with Word 2013?
It would be nice if Microsoft would state clearly the scenarios in which co-authoring on SharePoint Online will and will not work.
Thanks for responding.
Sorry I was thinking Excel, that requires recent Excel. Here is a post I found detailing coauthoring with SharePoint Online / OneDrive: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Document-collaboration-and-co-authoring-EE1509B4-1F6E-401E-B04A-782D26F564A4
However folks can lock files by turning off Auto-Save or if they have that off by default it will basically lock the file. It's here in the top left corner of Office client:
Hello Vanessa
If user is on Office 2013 for optimal co-authoring experience and successful interaction i would recommend two things.
1) For users Running Office 2013 make sure that you have implemented the ADAL fix recommended by https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Enable-Modern-Authentication-for-Office-2013-on-Windows-devices-7dc1c01a-090f-4971-9677-f1b192d6c910?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US. It will resolve any authentication issues.
2) Make sure sites are granted full trust.
Here are additional troubleshooting steps from Microsoft.
https://support.office.com/en-us/article/troubleshoot-co-authoring-in-office-bd481512-3f3a-4b6d-b7eb-ebf9d3626ae7
