Fix a Broken Excel Sharing Link in OneDrive or SharePoint
Question details
Restore access to an Excel workbook when its OneDrive or SharePoint sharing link stops working.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel, OneDrive, and SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A frequently used Excel workbook is shared through an online link, and its name and location have not changed.
- Observed behavior
- The link reports that it or access to the document has been removed, even though the issue affects only one file.
Locate the affected workbook in OneDrive or SharePoint and have the error message available. If you cannot manage its access, contact the file owner or a user with Full Control.
Review the Excel file's sharing links and permissions
Use this solution to identify a removed link or a permission change affecting the workbook.
In OneDrive or SharePoint, select the affected workbook and open the details pane using the information icon.
Select Manage access and review the sharing links, people, and groups listed for the file. Check whether the original link is still present and whether the intended users have access.
If available, select Advanced in Manage access to review the file's SharePoint permissions and inheritance. Ask a user with Full Control to verify any changes if you cannot inspect or modify them.
If the original link was removed, select Share for the workbook, choose the appropriate link settings and recipients, and send the new link to the affected users.
Create and share a new copy of the workbook
Use this workaround if access to the original workbook or its link cannot be restored.
Contact Microsoft support with the error details
Use this option if the file's access settings do not explain the error or the issue persists.
Work with Excel Files Using WPS Office
WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative with a familiar interface for opening and editing Excel files. Its format compatibility helps you move existing workbooks into WPS Spreadsheets, though it cannot repair Microsoft sharing links or permissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the link stop working if the file was not moved?
The sharing link may have been removed, or the file's access permissions or inheritance may have changed. Select the file in OneDrive or SharePoint and open Manage access to investigate.
Can I restore a deleted sharing link?
Check Manage access to see whether the link is still listed. If it has been removed, use Share to create a new link and send it to the intended users.
Who can check permission inheritance for the workbook?
A user with Full Control can review the file's advanced SharePoint permissions. In Manage access, select Advanced if the option is available.
What should I send Microsoft support about the error?
Record the correlation ID and timestamp displayed when you open the failing link, and provide them along with the affected file information.
