File Sharing Problems

How to Update Linked Excel Charts for PowerPoint Collaborators

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users need to ensure linked Excel charts within a shared PowerPoint presentation update correctly for all collaborators.

How to Update Linked Excel Charts for All PowerPoint Collaborators

Product: Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Collaborating on a shared PowerPoint file stored in OneDrive that contains linked Excel objects.
Observed behavior: The linked Excel objects update successfully for the file owner but produce errors when collaborators attempt to refresh the charts from the shared folder.

Before you start

Ensure both the PowerPoint presentation and the source Excel file are stored in the exact same shared folder on OneDrive, and verify that all collaborators have edit permissions for both files.

Solution 1Recommended

Recreate the Object Link Using Desktop Office Apps

Rebuilding the Excel object link while both files are open in their respective desktop apps from a shared location resolves most updating errors for collaborators.

When working with OneDrive, relative linking can sometimes break if not set up correctly from the desktop applications. Rebuilding the link using the direct file path ensures the connection remains stable when accessed by different users.

Organize files in a shared folder

Create a specific folder in OneDrive for the web and save both the PowerPoint presentation and the Excel file inside it.

Open files in desktop applications

Open both the PowerPoint and Excel files using the Microsoft Office desktop applications, not the web browser versions.

Copy the Excel file path

In Excel, navigate to File > Info and click 'Copy Path' to get the exact location of the source workbook.

Insert the linked object in PowerPoint

In PowerPoint, go to Insert > Object > Create from File. Browse to the Excel file or paste the copied path into the text box, check the 'Link' option, and click OK.

Share and test the links

Save and close both files. Share the OneDrive folder with your colleagues and instruct them to open both files in their desktop apps to verify the linked charts update without errors.

Recreate the Object Link Using Desktop Office Apps

Desktop Apps Required: PowerPoint for the web has limited support for refreshing linked objects. Collaborators must use the desktop versions of Office to properly update the charts.

WPS Office for Presentations

Seamlessly Link Spreadsheets to Presentations with WPS Office

WPS Office provides a highly integrated suite where linking spreadsheet data to your presentation slides is intuitive and stable. It perfectly handles Microsoft Office formats (PPTX, XLSX) ensuring your shared team presentations work flawlessly.

1. Launch WPS Office: Open your presentation and spreadsheet files side-by-side within the WPS Office unified workspace.
2. Copy Source Data: Select the chart or data range in WPS Spreadsheet that you want to share, and copy it.
3. Paste Link in Presentation: Navigate to your slide in WPS Presentation, click the dropdown under Paste, select 'Paste Special', and choose 'Paste Link'.
4. Save and Collaborate: Save both documents in a shared cloud folder so your team members can view and update the linked data seamlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx) and Excel (.xlsx) formatsStable data linking across local and cloud filesLightweight suite with all office tools in one tabbed interfaceFree and easy-to-use collaboration features

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my linked Excel charts show an error in PowerPoint?

Errors typically occur if the source Excel file is moved, renamed, or if collaborators do not have access to the exact file path where the workbook is stored. Keeping both files in a shared cloud folder and using absolute paths can resolve this.

Can I update linked Excel charts in PowerPoint for the web?

PowerPoint for the web does not fully support updating linked objects. It is highly recommended to open the presentation in the desktop application to properly refresh linked charts and data.

How do I edit the source data of a linked chart in PowerPoint?

Right-click the linked chart in your presentation and select 'Edit Data' or 'Open Linked Object'. This action will launch the spreadsheet application and open the source workbook where you can make your changes.

Document & File Issues