check before: 2024-10-01
Product:
Forms, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft Graph, OneDrive, SharePoint
Platform:
Developer, Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Launched
Change type:
Feature update, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft Forms will soon introduce a new data sync solution for Excel on the web in SharePoint Online and OneDrive, replacing the old sync method. Rollout starts mid-October 2024 and should complete by mid-November 2024. This feature will be default and requires no admin action before rollout.
Details:
In July 2024, we communicated in MC816207 that Microsoft Forms supports live data sync to Microsoft Excel with more functionality.
Coming soon: A new data sync solution with higher reliability to sync Forms response data to Microsoft Excel for the web. New Forms created from Microsoft OneDrive and Microsoft SharePoint online after this rollout will use the new data sync solution.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-October 2024 and expect to complete by mid-November 2024.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Preview
Created:
2024-10-01
updated:
2024-10-01
Public Preview Start Date
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Data Sync Reliability
The new data sync solution may initially lead to confusion among users as the automatic creation of Excel files from Forms responses will no longer occur. Users will need to manually create Excel files after receiving responses, potentially leading to delays in data analysis.
- roles: Data Analysts, Form Creators
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/create-a-form-with-microsoft-forms-4ffb64cc-7d5d-402f-b82e-b1d49418fd9d#PickTab=OneDrive_for_work_or_school
User Experience
Users accustomed to the previous automatic sync may experience frustration and a learning curve as they adapt to the new process of manually creating Excel files from Forms results, impacting their workflow efficiency.
- roles: End Users, Project Managers
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/create-a-form-with-microsoft-forms-4ffb64cc-7d5d-402f-b82e-b1d49418fd9d#PickTab=OneDrive_for_work_or_school
Integration with Excel Desktop
The new sync solution requires users to open the Excel file in Excel for the web to sync with the desktop app, which may disrupt established workflows and lead to potential data discrepancies if users are unaware of this requirement.
- roles: Data Analysts, IT Support
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/create-a-form-with-microsoft-forms-4ffb64cc-7d5d-402f-b82e-b1d49418fd9d#PickTab=OneDrive_for_work_or_school
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Potentional Risks**
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Data Protection**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
Microsoft Forms is about to get a significant upgrade in how it syncs data with Microsoft Excel for the web, specifically for those using SharePoint Online and OneDrive. This change is set to roll out between mid-October and mid-November 2024 and will be automatic, requiring no action from administrators.
Think of the old sync method like an old car that gets you from point A to point B but isn't very reliable. The new sync solution is like upgrading to a brand-new car with better performance and reliability. Previously, when you created a form in OneDrive or SharePoint Online, an Excel file was automatically generated, and the form responses were pushed to this file. This was like having a dedicated notebook for your notes, but sometimes the notes didn't get written down correctly.
With the new system, the Excel file won't be created automatically. Instead, after you receive responses to your form, you can create the Excel file from the Forms result page. This is like having a digital notebook that you can create on demand, ensuring that all your notes are accurately recorded when you need them.
The new sync method can only be triggered in Excel for the web. If you prefer using the Excel desktop app, you'll need to open the file in Excel for the web first, and then the desktop app will sync from the web file. Think of it like updating a shared document online before downloading the latest version to your computer.
This change will be on by default, so there's no need for any preliminary steps. However, it might be a good idea to inform your team about this update and adjust any related documentation. For more detailed instructions, you can refer to the Microsoft Support page, which will be updated before the rollout begins.
In summary, this new data sync solution for Microsoft Forms and Excel is designed to be more reliable and user-friendly, making it easier to manage and analyze your form responses.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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