Forum Discussion
Problem with Excel for the Web
I need help with Excel for Web.
In my organization, it works fine for everyone else, but when I edit an Excel file, I need to be the first to enter it. If there is any other user, I get an error message stating that the file is locked and I can only view it in read-only mode.
If the other user closes the file, I can normally enter it, and the other user may also enter it.
Also, other users do not see this, and they can enter the file if they like in any order, etc.
Here are a few steps you can try to troubleshoot and potentially fix this issue:
1. Browser Cache and Cookies
- Yes, this step is applicable. Clearing cache and cookies helps reset browser settings, which can resolve issues with web applications like Excel for Web.
- Clicking the three dots in the upper-right corner (Settings and more).
- Going to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, select Choose what to clear.
- Select Cached images and files and Cookies, then clear the data.
- In Microsoft Edge, you can clear the cache by:
2. Incognito/Private Mode in Edge
- Yes, you can use incognito mode in Microsoft Edge, and it works just like in other browsers for troubleshooting.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+N (on Windows) or Cmd+Shift+N (on Mac) to open a new InPrivate browsing window.
- In this window, try opening Excel for the Web again to see if the issue persists.
- How to open Incognito Mode (Private Mode) in Edge:
- Why use it: Private Mode disables extensions, doesn’t save cookies, and uses a fresh session, which can help diagnose if the problem is tied to browser data or settings.
3. Permissions Issue
- Yes, permissions apply fully to Excel for Web. If you only have read access, Excel for Web will restrict editing.
- Open the file in OneDrive or SharePoint.
- Click the three dots next to the file name and select Manage Access.
- Ensure that you are listed with Edit permissions and not just View.
- The file owner or your admin can check the sharing settings in OneDrive or SharePoint where the file is hosted:
4. Log Out and Log Back In
- Yes, this works the same in Excel for Web and is often a good step to refresh your session.
- Simply go to the upper-right corner where your profile is shown, click on it, and select Sign out. Then log back in to Office 365.
5. File Access Mode (Desktop vs. Web)
- Yes, this can happen. If someone opens the file in Excel Desktop in a non-co-authoring mode, it can lock you out in Excel for Web.
- What to check: Ensure that other users are not opening the file in exclusive mode in Excel Desktop. When users open Excel files in the desktop version without enabling co-authoring, it can lock the file for others in the web version.
6. Test with Different Files
- Yes, this works. Testing different files in Excel for Web can help identify whether the issue is specific to one file or happens across multiple files.
- Simply try opening and editing another shared Excel file to see if you face the same problem. If it works fine, then the problem is likely tied to that particular file.
Summary for Microsoft Edge:
- Incognito Mode (Private Mode) in Edge works for Excel for Web troubleshooting just like it does in other browsers. Use Ctrl+Shift+N (or Cmd+Shift+N on Mac) to open it.
- Clearing cache and cookies is important and works in Edge via the browser settings.
- Permissions and session issues are also highly relevant, so double-check your file access and sign out/sign back in as needed.
If these steps don't solve the issue, it may be a specific backend or configuration problem within your organization. The text and steps were edited with the help of AI.
My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!
Hope this will help you.
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This will help all forum participants.
We have tried this with four different browsers and using incognito mode. I have also tried this on both Mac and Windows.
No one opens Excel directly in the desktop software, and everyone uses Excel for Web.
I do have permission to edit the file. I can't edit it when someone else has opened it first. (As stated before, I can edit it while someone else uses Excel if I open it first.)
I have also tested different files. I created an empty test file with the same results.
Since other users in your organization don't have this problem, it's likely related to your individual account settings, session handling, or network configuration.
- Ensure co-authoring is fully enabled and supported in your organization’s setup.
- Double-check your license and any network/firewall settings that might affect session handling.
- Reset your Microsoft 365 profile and log out across all devices.
- Test with Excel Desktop in co-authoring mode to reset any file conflicts.
Hope this will help you.
- Yes, this step is applicable. Clearing cache and cookies helps reset browser settings, which can resolve issues with web applications like Excel for Web.
