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Microsoft Forms Branching Not Working: Fixed
5 min. read
Updated onJuly 23, 2024
updated onJuly 23, 2024
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Is Microsoft Forms branching not working?
This feature allows participants to go through different sets of questions depending on the answer they choose at the branching point. So, if your online form is targeted to a wide range of audiences, it’s quite helpful.
Since branching is an advanced feature, you might face challenges in routing survey takers in their own pathways of questions. Below, I’ve listed the tried and tested solutions you can try.
How To Fix Microsoft Forms Branching Not Working
I’ve organized the methods by complexity, starting with the easiest.
Switch Off Multiple Answers Toggle
Microsoft Forms branching works when the user selects one answer for the given question. Then, questions specific to the branching logic start to appear.
If a survey participant can choose more than one answer in a branching question, the feature won’t work.
So, you should disable multiple correct answers. You’ll find theMultiple answerstoggle button just below the question, near theRequiredtoggle.
Then, refresh the form and branching will work.
Use a Different Browser
If you’re unable to use the branching logic ofMS Formsin Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, try opening the same content inMicrosoft Edge.
Verify Branching Logic
If the branching logic seems off for a specific question, you can identify that easily by going through all the questions where you’ve added branching.
You might also want to simulate the branching using pen and paper or on adiagram and flowchart software.
Replicate the steps your survey participants should take when attempting branched questionnaires. Identify the appropriate question and accurately enter the answer that’ll initiate a branching.
Simplify Complex Branching
Here’s an example of a complicated branching logic that impairs the feature at a certain question-answer stage:
Question:What type of pet did you buy (Dog, Cat, Other)?
Branching Logic:
Branch from Q3a:
In the above example, theOtherbranch will create a loop. If a survey participant selectsOtherin Q1, they’re sent back to Q3a to specify the pet type. This may confuse the participants and break the branching logic.
To simply the branching logic, you can end branching in Q3a and introduce a new question like the one below:
Branching Logic for Q8:
That way, you can simplify multiple branching logic and provide a smooth question-answer experience for the survey respondents.
Verify Branching Destination
When you deal with multiple branching scenarios in one form, you might mistakenly choose the wrong question for the current branching step.
Now, if a wrong question contains another branching logic, then the chain might break or the participant will get confused.
It often happens because theGo todrop-down box shows all the available questions in the document except the one selected for branching.
In the following screenshot, when I click theGo tobox forMath, the list shows questions from bothBiologyandMath. It’s my responsibility toselect the right question for the branchingto work logically and smoothly.
Check for Duplicates
Microsoft Forms’ branching rules often break due to duplicate questions and answer options. Duplicates interfere because they have the same content, text, and symbols.
To avoid them, do the following checks:
Clear Cache and Cookies
If you’re completely unable to see theAdd branchingoption for a question or everything is checked and still branching won’t work, try the following steps:
You’ll need to log in to yourMicrosoft 365account after performing these steps.
Use an Alternative Form-Making Tool
If you’re still unable to use the branching feature in MS Forms, you can try Google Forms. The introduction of branching logic is much easier.
In Google Forms, this feature is known asGo to section based on answer.
Also, the functionality is available in multiple answer types:
When you enable it, Google Forms creates a completely new section of questions below the branched question.
Therefore, you can choose the new set of questions easily from the next section and avoid confusion.
Summary
Now you know how to fix Microsoft Forms branching not working.
You might also want to go through thisMicrosoft Forms vs Google Formscomparison before shifting entirely to Google Forms. Moreover, if you’re having trouble withForms not updating Excelproperly, we have just the guide for you.
If the article helped you in fixing branching problems in MS Forms, acknowledge it by commenting below.
More about the topics:Microsoft 365,Microsoft Forms,Microsoft Office
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
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Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
