5 Effective Solutions to Resolve the Refresh Recommended Error in Excel

Key Notes

  • Clear the OfficeFileCache folder for effective troubleshooting.
  • Rename the affected Excel files to circumvent the error.
  • Consider repairing Office if the problem persists after initial steps.

Resolving the Refresh Recommended Error in Excel: A Comprehensive Guide

The “Refresh Recommended” error in Excel often appears when working with shared files from Teams or SharePoint. This guide provides actionable steps to help you troubleshoot and resolve this issue effectively.

Step 1: Clear the OfficeFileCache Folder

To clear the OfficeFileCache folder, follow these steps:

  1. Press Windows + E to access File Explorer, then paste the following path in the address bar and press Enter : %userprofile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OfficeFileCache\0\0
  2. Navigate into all folders listed within that directory.
  3. Select all files by pressing Ctrl + A and delete them.
  4. Confirm the deletion if prompted by a dialog box.
  5. Reopen Excel and check if the Refresh Recommended error still appears.

Pro Tip: Deleting the Office cache through Excel’s options (File > More > Options > Save > Delete cached files) can be efficient, but manual deletion is often more effective.

Step 2: Rename the Affected File(s)

Sometimes, renaming the file can resolve the error. Add a character or number to the current filename. For instance, change WindowsReport to WindowsReport1 or WindowsReportA.

Step 3: Modify Excel’s Cache Settings

To update Excel’s cache settings:

  1. Launch Excel, navigate to the File menu, select More, and click on Options.
  2. In the left pane, locate and select the Save tab, then check the box that says Delete files from the Office Document Cache when they are closed.
  3. Click OK to apply the changes and restart your PC to determine if the error has been resolved.

Step 4: Repair Microsoft Office

To repair your Office installation, follow these steps:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
  2. Find Microsoft 365 in the programs list and click on Change.
  3. Agree to any User Account Control prompts by clicking Yes.
  4. Select Quick Repair and hit the Repair button.
  5. Once the repair is complete, check if the Refresh Recommended error has been rectified.
  6. If the issue persists, try the Online Repair option for a more thorough fix.

Step 5: Create a New Copy of the File

If the Refresh Recommended error affects specific files, a practical workaround is to recreate those files:

  1. Open the problematic Excel file alongside a new file in your web browser.
  2. Copy the content from the old file to the new one, save it, and access the new file locally.

This method is best suited for a limited number of files; persistent issues should prompt a deeper investigation into causes of the Refresh Recommended error.

Pro Tip: If you find yourself frequently dealing with this error, consider reviewing your network settings or consulting your IT department for further assistance.

Additional Tips

  • Ensure your local and network connections are stable and reliable.
  • Regularly update Microsoft Office to keep it functioning optimally.
  • Consider utilizing the web version of Excel if issues persist with the desktop application.

Summary

In this guide, we provided detailed steps to troubleshoot and resolve the Refresh Recommended error encountered in Excel when working with shared files. Following these strategies may significantly enhance your experience with Excel, allowing for smoother collaboration and fewer interruptions.

Conclusion

Addressing the Refresh Recommended error in Excel requires a proactive approach to file management and settings configuration. By following the steps outlined in this guide, users can mitigate disruptions and improve their productivity.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What causes the Refresh Recommended error in Excel?

This error usually occurs due to caching issues, incorrect file paths, or problems with your Office installation.

Can I resolve this error without IT help?

Yes, many users have successfully corrected this error by following simple workarounds, such as clearing the cache or repairing Office.