To merge changes from multiple Excel files into a single file in Excel (assuming they were created as copies of a shared workbook), follow these steps:
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Open the original Shared Workbook into which you want to merge the changes.
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Go to the "Review" tab on the Ribbon.
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In the "Changes" group, click "Share Workbook". (Note: In some versions of Excel, this might be found under the "Tools" menu instead.)
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If prompted, save the workbook.
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On the "Editing" tab, check the box that says "Allow changes by more than one user at the same time. This also allows workbook merging.".
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Click OK. If prompted to save the workbook, do so.
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Return to the "Review" tab, "Changes" group, and look for "Compare and Merge Workbooks". (Note: In older versions of Excel, this is often found directly under the "Tools" menu as "Merge Workbooks".)
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In the file navigation dialog box, select the copy of the workbook that contains the changes you want to merge and click "OK".
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Excel will then merge the changes from the selected copy into your original Shared Workbook. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for any other copies of the workbook you need to merge.
Important Considerations:
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Shared Workbook Feature: This process specifically refers to merging workbooks using Excel's older "Shared Workbook" feature. This feature has limitations and is considered outdated by Microsoft.
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Alternatives: For more robust collaboration and merging, consider using Microsoft 365 and its co-authoring capabilities, which allow multiple users to work on the same file simultaneously and see changes in real-time. This is a much better alternative than relying on the "Shared Workbook" functionality. You could also consider using Power Query (Get & Transform Data) for appending data from multiple workbooks, but this method is designed for consolidating data between workbooks, not merging different versions of the same workbook.
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Potential Conflicts: When merging workbooks, Excel may encounter conflicting changes. Review these conflicts carefully and choose which changes to accept.
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Compatibility: Merging workbooks is most reliable when all users are using the same version of Excel.
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Saving: After merging, be sure to save the updated Shared Workbook.
In summary, merging Excel files in Excel, in the traditional sense, requires using the "Shared Workbook" feature and then the "Compare and Merge Workbooks" command. However, modern Excel offers much more reliable co-authoring features through Microsoft 365.
