Using an enterprise Google Workspace with MS Excel

Column A 0 Reputation points
2026-08-14T04:15:53.93+00:00

Hi there,

My workplace uses Google Workspace / Drive, but I need to work in MS Excel to create and edit data in spreadsheets.

When using files saved to Google Drive (which I have installed in my Mac finder), they do not autosave.

My workaround has been to save them in my personal One Drive (part of my personal MS365 subscription), and work on them here, but some of the files are sensitive and I'm not supposed to be transferring them between personal and work clouds. It is cumbersome and time consuming, too.

I have also tried downloading Google Sheets as an .XLSX to my MacHD, work on them in excel and the re-uploading them. But I've noticed if I work on downloaded MS Excel files, the auto save doesn't work. I have lost a lot of data working this way previously.

Is there a way to work in MS Excel, on Drive files that does not put the user at risk of data loss?

Any tips appreciated.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | Other | MacOS

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  1. Ian-T 11,215 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-14T09:08:47.75+00:00

    Hi Column A

    Thank you for your question

    Excel AutoSave does not work with Google Drive. It is supported only for workbooks stored in OneDrive, OneDrive for work or school, or SharePoint Online

    Google Drive for desktop can synchronize an Excel file after Excel saves it, but this is different from Excel AutoSave. The safest approach is to keep the file in the company Google Drive, make it available offline if company policy allows, press Command+S regularly, and confirm that Google Drive has finished syncing before closing Excel or the Mac.

    AutoRecover should also remain enabled, although it's advised since it is for recovery after a crash and is not a substitute for regularly saving the workbook.

    The sensitive files should not be moved to a personal OneDrive account. If continuous AutoSave is required, the user should ask the workplace IT administrator whether an organization-managed OneDrive or SharePoint location is available.

    I hope my answer helps. Thank you for your time and I hope you have a good day

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