Why the Excel file shared with ONE DRIVE is unrelated

This usually happens because the workbook is being co-authored in OneDrive, and some Excel features or protection settings are not fully compatible with co-authoring.

Supported causes from Microsoft guidance:

1. Protection can interfere with co-authoring
   • If the file uses password encryption, restricted access, or workbook protection features, co-authoring can fail or the file can become locked.
   • Microsoft specifically recommends removing password encryption or restricted access when co-authoring issues occur.
2. Older sharing/protection methods can cause problems
   • If the workbook still uses the Shared Workbook feature, AutoSave can be disabled and collaboration becomes less reliable.
   • Microsoft recommends turning off the Shared Workbook feature and using co-authoring instead.
3. Some workbook features are not supported during co-authoring
   • Microsoft states that “locked,” “Refresh recommended,” and “Upload failed” issues can occur when someone uses a feature that is not fully supported in Excel co-authoring.
   • This can temporarily stop co-authoring and lead to settings not being preserved as expected.
4. IRM/RMS protection blocks co-authoring
   • Co-authoring is not available for documents protected with Information Rights Management (IRM) or Rights Management Service (RMS).
5. AutoSave and cloud location matter
   • AutoSave works when the file is saved to OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, or SharePoint Online.
   • For co-authoring to work correctly, everyone should have AutoSave turned on, the file should not be read-only, and OneDrive sync should not be paused.

Practical solutions:

1. Review the type of protection being used
   • If the goal is to control editing inside a sheet, use worksheet-level protection.
   • If the goal is to control workbook structure, use workbook-level protection.
   • If the file is encrypted with a password or uses restricted access, test a copy of the workbook without those protections to see whether co-authoring becomes stable.
2. Check for unsupported features In Excel, ask one editor to open the workbook and check:
   • File > Info for any errors
   • Whether the workbook uses Shared Workbook; if it does, turn it off
   • Whether the file has password encryption or restricted access; if possible, remove them
   • Whether any add-in is affecting the file: File > Options > Add-Ins > Excel Add-ins > Go
3. Verify co-authoring requirements for all editors
   • The workbook must be opened from OneDrive or SharePoint Online
   • AutoSave must be on for everyone
   • The file must not be read-only
   • If OneDrive sync is used, make sure sync is not paused
4. Avoid editing certain content while others are in the file
   • Microsoft recommends editing macros or VBA only while working alone, because changing them during co-authoring can interrupt others.
5. If “Refresh recommended” or upload conflicts appear
   • If there are no unsaved changes, select Refresh.
   • If unsaved changes are not needed, select Discard changes.
   • If the changes must be kept, select Save a Copy, copy the needed changes, reopen the original cloud file, and paste the changes back.

If the main requirement is to stop column width or layout changes, worksheet protection is the relevant protection level. If that protection is being lost only after collaborative editing, the most likely cause is that the workbook contains a co-authoring-incompatible feature or protection method, especially Shared Workbook, password/restricted protection, or another unsupported feature.

• Protection and security in Excel
• What is AutoSave?
• Excel file is locked for editing
• Best Practices for Coauthoring in Excel
• Collaborate on Excel workbooks at the same time with co-authoring