Formerly known as Office 365, Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service from Microsoft. It includes regular updates, new features for popular Office productivity, and collaboration apps like Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, and Microsoft Teams. Despite the relatively high stability of M365’s applications, users report some bugs and other issues.
Let’s examine some common problems with M365 and how to solve them.
Microsoft 365 Synchronization Issues
With so many applications in Microsoft Office 365, there have to be some synchronization issues between them. Some users have reported sync issues, such as missing files when opening the main page and ghost icons.
There are several causes for why these synchronization issues happen, but luckily, there are some solutions:
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Check File Paths: Ensure the file paths match where you save files. Sometimes, users think they are saving in one place only to discover that they have chosen the wrong file path.
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Check App Permissions: Verify that you have appropriate permissions to view, share, edit, and collaborate on the files saved through Microsoft 365.
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Update Your Apps: Out-of-date software can cause save and sync problems, especially if updates address security concerns or bugs.
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Unlink and Relink OneDrive: On both devices, unlink your OneDrive, restart OneDrive, and then relink your account. This digital on/off switch can kick-start the synchronization process.
You can also work around this issue by logging into OneDrive on a desktop browser and dragging your file(s) into the documents folder.
Microsoft 365 Sign-in Issues
To say that a problem signing into M365 is frustrating is an understatement. There are a myriad of reasons why you may experience sign-in issues, including:
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An expired subscription
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Disabled user account
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Account lock-out
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Incorrect username or password
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Temporary or expired password
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Single sign-on issues
If you receive an error message or an unrecognized user ID or password message, confirm that you are entering the correct user ID and password. Even if you’re confident you have the proper credentials, use the “forgot password” option to ensure accuracy. You can also check with a system administrator to see if an administrator changed the credentials.
Users experiencing lock-out and disabled account issues can contact Microsoft customer service or fill out a Microsoft Account Recovery Form to confirm and rectify the problem.
Users can visit the Microsoft password reset page for work or school accounts. Personal account users can see this password recovery page by entering their email, phone, or Skype name.
Co-Authoring and Collaboration Issues
Co-authoring in Office 365 allows users to collaborate on documents seamlessly across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office applications. However, users may encounter common problems related to connectivity, permissions, and system settings that require troubleshooting or contacting Microsoft support.
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Access Permissions and File Settings: Issues with access permissions for SharePoint files or files marked as final can block co-authoring. Verify file permissions and ensure the file isn't in the recycle bin or permanently removed.
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Outdated or Incompatible Office Applications: Error messages can result from using obsolete or wrong file formats, multiple versions of Office, or unsupported Office mobile features. Install the latest version of Office applications and ensure compatibility with connected devices.
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Connectivity and Service Health: Poor internet connection, service health issues, or firewall settings can cause connectivity issues. Run an online repair or check the control panel to verify network settings and services like Exchange Online.
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Storage Limits and Too Many Files: Exceeding the storage limit on SharePoint or working with too many files simultaneously can disrupt co-authoring. Consolidate files, manage storage, and sync with services like OneDrive for smoother collaboration.
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Microsoft Account and Security Settings: Problems with your Microsoft account or school account, such as password issues or mismatched details, can block access. Use the Microsoft account recovery form or contact Microsoft support for assistance.
Microsoft 365 Troubleshooting Tools
Many of the issues experienced by M365 subscribers can be diagnosed and solved through the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant. This program runs tests on Office, Microsoft 365, and Outlook to determine problems and offer solutions.
If this download cannot fix your problem, it will provide you with additional steps or help you contact Microsoft support. You can now use the Support and Recovery Assistant in a command line or a PowerShell script if you are an Enterprise customer. Visit this Microsoft doc for help using the command-line version of Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant.
Microsoft is usually aware of the challenges and problems that M365 users experience and many of the periodic updates fix these common issues. If you’re experiencing problems with the current M365 channel, the release notes on Microsoft Docs can be helpful. They detail the current channel updates and fixes for each Microsoft Office app.
Make Microsoft 365 Work for You with a Trusted Tech Team
Microsoft 365 offers powerful tools for productivity and collaboration, but common issues like synchronization errors, sign-in problems, and co-authoring challenges can hinder its effectiveness.
With tools like the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant, verifying permissions and settings, and staying updated with the latest versions, users can resolve most Office 365 issues efficiently.
Trusted Tech is an accredited Microsoft CSP Direct Bill Partner based in Irvine, California, carrying 6 of 6 Solutions Partner designations and the now-legacy Microsoft Gold Partner competency.