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Faster syncs for Excel files in Google Drive and Dropbox

Written by Karoline Fernezlian

Sheetgo can now process Excel files stored in Google Drive or Dropbox significantly faster by routing them through Microsoft's processing infrastructure. You can enable this in Advanced Settings for any automation that uses an .xlsx or .xlsm file as its source or destination.

This option is useful if you work with large Excel files and want to reduce sync times. Your files stay in Google Drive or Dropbox — nothing is moved or reorganized.

Requirements

To use this feature, you need a Microsoft 365 business account with access to SharePoint.

You will be asked to connect this account the first time you enable the setting. You only need to do this once.

How to enable it

  1. Open the automation builder and select an Excel file (.xlsx or .xlsm) stored in Google Drive or Dropbox as your source or destination.

  2. Scroll down and expand Advanced Settings.

  3. Scroll to the DATA PROCESSING section and click the Excel processing engine dropdown.

    Select Sharepoint (Work or School).

  4. If prompted, sign in to your Microsoft 365 account and grant the necessary permissions.

  5. Save the automation.

Once saved, the faster engine will be used for all subsequent syncs on that automation.

Supported and unsupported file types

The Excel processing engine dropdown is only shown when the selected file is compatible. It will not appear for:

  • Google Sheets files

  • CSV files

  • Excel files already stored in Microsoft OneDrive (these are processed natively)

The option is available for .xlsx and .xlsm files stored in Google Drive or Dropbox.

Frequently asked questions

Does this move my files out of Google Drive or Dropbox?

No. Your files remain in Google Drive or Dropbox. Sheetgo temporarily routes the file through Microsoft's processing service during the sync, then returns the result to its original location. Nothing is permanently stored in SharePoint.

Do I need to enable this for every automation?

Yes. The setting is configured per automation. You will need to enable it individually for each automation where you want faster processing. You only need to connect your Microsoft account once — after that, it will be available to select in any automation.

What happens if I don't enable it?

The automation will continue to work as before. Enabling the Excel processing engine is optional and does not affect existing automations unless you change the setting.

Is this available for all Sheetgo plans?

The feature is available for automations that use eligible file types and storage locations. Check the Advanced Settings panel in your automation to confirm whether the option appears for your files.

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