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Refresh Recommended Excel Error: 5 Ways to Fix it
Renaming or recreating the file are the quickest fixes
4 min. read
Published onOctober 4, 2024
published onOctober 4, 2024
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Often, when you open Excel files on a PC shared via Teams or SharePoint, it throws an error that reads,Refresh Recommended A newer version of this file is available on the server. You then have two options,Save a CopyorDiscard Changes. While the former isn’t feasible, the latter results in an endless loop!
This error only appears when the file is loaded in Excel’s desktop app and never the web version for files shared amongst multiple users. In most cases, theRefresh RecommendedExcel error is caused due to a corrupt cache, incorrect path, misconfigured settings, or a problem with the Office installation.
Before you proceed to the fixes, check the network connectivity forslow Internet speed. If possible, switch to another network, preferably a wired connection.
How can I fix the Refresh Recommended Excel error?
1. Clear the OfficeFileCache folder
You could also delete the Office file cache fromExcel>File>More>Options>Save>Delete cached files.
But doing so manually has proven more effective with ExcelRefresh Recommendederror and whenDiscard Changesis not working.
2. Rename the affected file(s)
Changing the file name helped as a workaround for 2 out of 5 users. All you have to do is add a character to the file’s name.
For instance, if the file is currently named,WindowsReport, rename it toWindowsReport1orWindowsReportA, and that should fix the ExcelRefresh Recommendederror.
3. Change Excel’s cache settings
4. Repair Microsoft Office
If you keep getting Excel or SharePointRefresh Recommended A newer version of this file is available on the servererror, it could be an issue with the Office installation, and repairing it will fix things!
5. Create a new copy of the file
If theRefresh Recommendederror is limited to an individual or a few Excel files shared via Teams or SharePoint, you can simply recreate them.
To do that, open the problematic Excel file and a new file in your browser > copy the contents from the former to the latter > save the changes > then open the new file on your PC.
Remember, this is a workaround, feasible only when a limited number of files are affected. When it’s on a much larger scale, you must identify and fix the underlying cause behind the Excel errorRefresh Recommended.
Before you leave, discover expert tips toboost Excel’s performanceand make it faster than ever!
Which fix worked for you? Share with our readers in the comments section.
More about the topics:Excel,Microsoft Excel
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
