Fix Excel Server Errors When Updating Linked Workbooks in SharePoint
Question details
The user is experiencing server errors when attempting to update external links between Excel workbooks stored in SharePoint Online.

- Product
- Microsoft Excel and SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Updating values and external references from a source Excel workbook hosted on SharePoint Online.
- Observed behavior
- Excel fails to retrieve values from the linked workbook, and the Manage Workbook Links panel displays a server error.
Ensure you have an active internet connection and verify that you still have read or edit permissions for both the source and destination workbooks in SharePoint Online.
Enable External Content in Excel Trust Center
Modifying your Trust Center settings to allow external content ensures Excel is not blocking the connection to your SharePoint workbooks.
By default, Excel's security features may block automatic updates from external sources, including files stored in SharePoint. Adjusting these settings can restore the link updates.
Launch Microsoft Excel, click on the File tab in the top-left corner, and select Options at the bottom of the menu.
In the Excel Options window, click on Trust Center in the left-hand navigation pane, then click the Trust Center Settings button.
Select External Content from the left menu. Under 'Security settings for Workbook Links', select 'Enable automatic update for all Workbook Links'.
Click OK to save the changes, close Excel completely, and reopen your workbook to see if the SharePoint links update successfully.

Verify File Paths and SharePoint Connectivity
Check that the source workbook hasn't been moved or renamed in SharePoint, which would break the link.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Management
If you continue to experience SharePoint server errors and syncing issues in Microsoft Office, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for handling complex spreadsheets and external links, complete with its own stable cloud ecosystem.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Open Your Workbooks: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing .xlsx files directly without any formatting loss.
- 3. Manage Data Securely: Use WPS Cloud to securely host, link, and update your interconnected workbooks across all your devices.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel say it cannot retrieve values from a linked SharePoint workbook?
This error typically occurs when Excel's Trust Center blocks external content for security reasons, your Microsoft credentials need to be refreshed, or the source file in SharePoint was moved, renamed, or deleted.
How can I manually force Excel to update links to a SharePoint file?
You can force a manual update by going to the Data tab, clicking on 'Edit Links' or 'Workbook Links', selecting the source file in the list, and clicking 'Update Values'.
Does moving a file in SharePoint break Excel links?
Yes. If you move or rename a source workbook in SharePoint without both files being open simultaneously, the absolute URL changes and the destination workbook will display a server or file not found error until you update the source path.




