Unable to edit Excel File stored in OneDrive

Arup Das 0 Reputation points
2026-10-11T10:10:49.2766667+00:00

I have purchase the 365 Basic Plan. Though the storage is showing 100 GB and that my logged in email as subscribed basic plan, I am unable to edit excel file which is stored in Onedrive. The excel file is opening in read only mode. The moment I am trying to edit, I am getting prompt to buy monthly subscription.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | Other | Android
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  1. EmilyS726 272.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-11T14:02:18.7933333+00:00

    Microsoft 365 Basic plan doesn't include desktop version of the office apps. It is basicallly only for 100GB of OneDrive space.

    If you need to edit your Excel file, you cannot do it via the app but you can do it via the free web version.

    Go to https://www.office.com, sign in, and then click on the 9-dots on the upper left to find the apps, and then choose Excel, from there you can open the file that is already uploaded to OneDrive and edit from there via the web broser.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-11T10:11:03.9633333+00:00

    Microsoft 365 Basic does not include a license for the Excel desktop app. It provides 100 GB of OneDrive storage, but not desktop editing rights for Word or Excel. That is why the file opens read-only and prompts for a higher plan when editing is attempted.

    What this means for the current issue:

    1. The 100 GB storage showing correctly indicates the Basic plan is active.
    2. The edit prompt is caused by the plan not including desktop Office app licensing.
    3. The file being in OneDrive does not change that limitation.

    Practical options:

    1. Open the workbook in the web version instead of the desktop app.
    2. If desktop editing is required, move to a plan that includes the Office desktop apps.

    If the file still opens read-only in OneDrive web, also check whether OneDrive storage is over quota, because over-quota files become read-only until storage is reduced.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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