OneDrive File Issues

Fix Word Chart Linked to Excel on OneDrive Not Updating

Ayan Masood Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to update a linked Excel chart inside a Word document when both files are hosted on OneDrive.

How to Fix a Word Chart Linked to Excel on OneDrive Not Updating

Product: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Updating an Excel chart copied into a Word document using the F9 shortcut.
Observed behavior: The chart does not update when F9 is pressed while the files are stored on OneDrive. The issue resolves when OneDrive is closed, files are moved to a local directory, or the chart is pasted as a Microsoft Excel Chart Object.

Before you start

Verify that your OneDrive desktop client is running and fully synced, and confirm you have editing permissions for both the Excel workbook and the Word document.

Solution 1Recommended

Paste the Chart as a Microsoft Excel Chart Object

Bypass the OneDrive linking bug by changing how the chart is pasted into the Word document.

This is the most reliable workaround for this specific OneDrive sync behavior. Pasting the chart specifically as an Excel Chart Object maintains the OLE link and allows the data to update correctly even when stored in a synchronized cloud folder.

Copy the Excel Chart

Open your Excel workbook on OneDrive, select the target chart, and press Ctrl + C to copy it.

Use Paste Special in Word

Open your Word document and place your cursor where you want the chart to appear. Navigate to the 'Home' tab, click the arrow beneath the 'Paste' button, and select 'Paste Special'.

Select Microsoft Excel Chart Object

In the dialog box, select 'Paste link' on the left side, then choose 'Microsoft Excel Chart Object' from the list of formats, and click 'OK'.

Paste the Chart as a Microsoft Excel Chart Object

Automatic Updates: Your chart will now maintain a robust connection to the Excel file and should update correctly when changes are made.

Solution 2

Temporarily Move Files Outside of OneDrive

Relocate your files to a local drive to restore the standard F9 update functionality.

Solution 3

Troubleshoot OneDrive Sync and Contact Support

Isolate the issue to a specific folder or account anomaly, and report it to Microsoft.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Seamless Object Linking with WPS Office

Tired of cloud syncing bugs and broken chart links? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office. It seamlessly handles linked objects between spreadsheets and documents without complex synchronization errors.

1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your computer.
2. Open Your Files: Open your existing .docx and .xlsx files directly in WPS Writer and WPS Spreadsheet.
3. Link Your Data: Copy your chart in Spreadsheet, use 'Paste Special' in Writer, and choose 'Paste Link' for flawless updating.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) and Excel (.xlsx) formatsReliable chart and data linking between WPS Writer and WPS SpreadsheetFree, lightweight, and fast alternative to Microsoft OfficeFamiliar user interface for a seamless, zero-learning-curve transition

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the F9 key not update my Excel chart in Word on OneDrive?

This is a known synchronization behavior where OneDrive's active file-locking or cloud URL paths interfere with Word's ability to pull updated data from the linked Excel file.

Does pausing OneDrive syncing fix the chart update issue?

Yes, temporarily pausing or completely closing the OneDrive desktop client allows Word to resolve the local file paths instead of the cloud paths, enabling the F9 update to work normally.

What is a Microsoft Excel Chart Object?

It is an OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) format that embeds the chart's functionality directly into Word, maintaining a stronger, more reliable connection to the source data than a standard graphic link.

Document & File Issues