Resolving Excel Editing Issues Caused by Personal OneDrive vs Work

 OneDrive Conflicts

Issue Summary

User was unable to edit an Excel file (including deleting rows). The file showed editing restrictions and sensitivity conflicts when opened with a work email.

Root Cause

The Excel file was stored in the user’s personal OneDrive, but was being accessed using their work Microsoft account.
This caused:

• Permission conflicts

• Sensitivity label enforcement

• Limited editing capabilities (read-only behavior)

Microsoft treats personal OneDrive and work OneDrive as separate environments, even when accessed on the same device.

How to Identify This Issue

Common signs include:

• Unable to delete rows or edit cells

• “Highly Sensitive” label cannot be changed

• File opens but is partially locked

• Excel behaves differently when opened from desktop vs office.com

To confirm:

1. Ask the user where the file is stored

2. Check if the URL shows:

   • onedrive.live.com → Personal OneDrive

   • office.com / company SharePoint → Work OneDrive

Resolution (What Fixed the Issue)

Because the file originated in the personal OneDrive, the fastest and cleanest fix was:

1. Open the original Excel file

2. Copy all data from the sheet

3. Create a new Excel file in the user’s work OneDrive

4. Paste the data into the new file

5. Save the file

6. Confirm editing (deleting rows, saving changes) works correctly

Once the file lived fully in the work OneDrive, all editing restrictions were removed.

Why This Works

• Work accounts require files to live in work-managed storage

• Sensitivity labels and permissions apply correctly only within the same tenant

• Copying the data removes inherited restrictions from the personal file

Best Practice Going Forward

• Always create and store work files in office.com → OneDrive (work)

• Avoid editing work documents from a personal OneDrive

• If editing issues occur, confirm where the file is stored first