File Format & Compatibility

How to Fix SharePoint Links Not Opening in Excel IQY Files

Rana Garcia Oct 13, 2026 870 views

Question details

SharePoint XML links embedded in an Excel IQY file fail to open on a specific computer, while other external links and manually copied SharePoint URLs function correctly.

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Clicking SharePoint hyperlinks directly from within an exported or locally saved Excel IQY data file.
Observed behavior: The SharePoint links do not open or trigger an error when clicked inside the IQY file, even though the same file works on other users' computers.

Before you start

Ensure you are fully signed into your Microsoft 365 or SharePoint account in your system's default web browser before attempting to open the links.

Solution 1Recommended

Adjust Excel Trust Center and Protected View Settings

Modify your local Excel security settings to ensure that SharePoint links and Internet data connections are not being blocked.

Local security settings on the affected machine may be overly restrictive, preventing Excel from launching secure SharePoint URLs.

Open Trust Center

Launch Microsoft Excel, click on 'File' > 'Options', and then select 'Trust Center' from the left sidebar. Click the 'Trust Center Settings' button.

Configure Protected View

Navigate to the 'Protected View' tab. Temporarily uncheck 'Enable Protected View for files originating from the Internet' to see if this resolves the block.

Enable External Content

Go to the 'External Content' tab and ensure that data connections and workbook links are set to prompt the user or are enabled, then click 'OK' to save.

Adjust Excel Trust Center and Protected View Settings

Security Warning: Only lower these security settings if you completely trust the source of your IQY file and the embedded SharePoint links.

Solution 2

Verify Default Browser Authentication and Security Software

Ensure the system's default browser handles SharePoint authentication correctly and that no local antivirus is filtering the XML URLs.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Management

If you continue facing complex hyperlink blocks or Trust Center configuration issues in Microsoft Excel, switch to WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, highly compatible, and user-friendly alternative for managing your spreadsheets and web queries without the hassle.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free office suite for your operating system.
2. Install and Launch: Follow the installation prompts and open WPS Spreadsheets.
3. Open Your Data: Open your spreadsheet files directly and interact with external hyperlinks effortlessly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IQY file in Excel?

An IQY (Internet Query) file is a plain text file used by Microsoft Excel to download data from the internet or an intranet, such as a SharePoint list, directly into a spreadsheet.

Why do standard internet links work but SharePoint links fail in my Excel file?

SharePoint links often require specific user authentication and tokens. If the default browser or Excel's security settings fail to pass these credentials correctly, the SharePoint link will not open, while standard public URLs (like Google) will.

How do I collect logs if the Excel link issue is isolated to one computer?

If the problem only happens on a single device, you can use the Windows Event Viewer to check application logs, collect the specific Excel version number (File > Account), and sanitize the IQY file to send to Microsoft Support for advanced troubleshooting.

Document & File Issues