14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft Excel for Windows will soon receive co-authoring support, a feature that allows two or more users to work together on a specific document at the same time.
Currently available in Excel Online, Excel on Android, Windows 10 Mobile, and iOS, this new feature is now in the beta stage for Windows users, as Microsoft first wants to test it with help from Office insiders in the Fast ring before releasing it to everyone.
Basically, with co-authoring, Excel users can work together on their documents as long as the document is saved in the cloud, either in OneDrive or in SharePoint Online. Once a new user connects and starts working on a spreadsheet, their profile picture appears in the toolbar, so anyone can click this icon and see the modifications they are making in real time.
“This allows you to know who else is working with you in a spreadsheet, see where they’re working and view changes automatically within seconds. We’ll continue using feedback from Insiders to improve the experience before making it available more broadly,” Microsoft explains.
macOS support coming soon too
At this point, the only platform that’s yet to get co-authoring in Microsoft Excel is macOS, but Microsoft says that Apple’s desktop operating system is the next in line to receive it, though no ETA is available just yet.
On the other hand, there’s no ETA on the retail launch of co-authoring for Windows users either, but given the fact that it’s being tested with help from Office insiders, it shouldn’t take too long before the launch takes place.
In order to use co-authoring in Excel on Windows desktop computers, you need to be an Office 365 subscriber and be enrolled in the Office Insider program within the Fast ring. Version 8017.1000 or later is required, and documents must be saved in the cloud, with support offered for SharePoint Online, OneDrive and OneDrive for Business.
Users of Excel on the desktop meeting the aforementioned requirements can already co-author with other users on supported platforms even if they are not part of the Insider program.