Calculation Issues

Fix Excel Relinking to Closed Workbooks During Calculation

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is experiencing performance issues because Excel automatically updates links to closed workbooks during calculation, causing linked files to open very slowly.

How to Fix Excel Relinking to Closed Workbooks During Calculation

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Opening and calculating workbooks with external links after a recent Microsoft 365 update.
Observed behavior: Excel forces updates to links pointing to closed workbooks during calculation, and the setting to disable workbook links automatically re-enables after reopening the file.

Before you start

Before proceeding, check if you have administrative privileges for your Microsoft 365 account, as you may need to submit a formal service request for this specific update bug.

Solution 1Recommended

Create a Service Request in Microsoft 365 Admin Center

Since this is a known behavior that often appears after a Microsoft 365 update, contacting Microsoft Support is the recommended way to get a permanent fix or product patch.

Many users have reported that the workbook link setting reverts automatically upon reopening a file. Because this is a core product issue tied to recent updates, the Microsoft support team needs to investigate it directly.

Log in to the Admin Center

Open your web browser and navigate to the Microsoft 365 admin center using an administrator account.

Navigate to Support

On the left-hand navigation menu, locate and click on the 'Support' option.

Create a New Service Request

Select 'New service request', describe the issue regarding Excel relinking to closed workbooks during calculation, and submit the ticket for investigation.

Create a Service Request in Microsoft 365 Admin Center

IT Department Assistance: If you are on a corporate network and do not have access to the admin center, contact your internal IT department to submit this ticket on your behalf.

Solution 2

Manually Disable Automatic Update of Workbook Links

You can try changing the Trust Center settings to prevent links from updating automatically, though be aware that recent updates might cause this to revert.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Linked Workbooks Smoothly with WPS Office

If Microsoft Excel update bugs are slowing down your file loading times, consider switching to WPS Office. WPS Spreadsheet handles complex external links efficiently without forcing unwanted calculation updates.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package and complete the setup process.
2. Open Your Linked Workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing .xlsx file containing the external links.
3. Manage External Links: Go to the 'Data' tab and select 'Edit Links' to safely review and manage your connections without unexpected slowdowns.

Seamlessly compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats and external link structuresLightweight engine ensuring incredibly fast loading times for large spreadsheetsFree to use with a highly familiar user interface requiring zero learning curveStable manual and automatic calculation settings that do not randomly revert

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Excel file open so slowly when it contains links?

When an Excel file contains links to other closed workbooks, the software may attempt to calculate and update all external references upon opening. This consumes significant memory and network resources, resulting in slow opening times.

Why does the 'Disable automatic update' setting keep turning back on?

This is a known issue that occasionally happens following certain Microsoft 365 updates. The application fails to retain your preference in the Trust Center and reverts to the default behavior of updating links.

Can I update external links manually instead of automatically?

Yes. You can go to the Data tab, click on 'Edit Links', and manually select which linked workbooks you want to update by clicking 'Update Values'.

Excel & Data Problems