Chart & Visualization Issues

How to Fix Word Chart Not Updating from Excel in OneDrive

Elise Williams Sep 25, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to update a linked Word chart sourced from an Excel file when both documents are saved and synced in OneDrive.

How to Fix a Word Chart That Will Not Update from an Excel File in OneDrive

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to refresh a linked chart in a Word document using data from an Excel workbook that is synchronized via OneDrive.
Observed behavior: Pressing F9 produces an error instead of refreshing the chart. The chart only updates successfully when the Excel file is closed or when both files are moved to a local drive.

Before you start

Ensure you have local backup copies of both the Word document and the Excel workbook before moving them or altering their file paths to avoid accidental data loss during synchronization.

Solution 1Recommended

Save and Update the Linked Files Locally

Move the files out of the OneDrive sync folder to a local directory. Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) relies on absolute file paths, which OneDrive synchronization frequently disrupts.

Microsoft Word and Excel links use Object Linking and Embedding (OLE). This technology requires absolute file paths to locate the source data.

OneDrive synchronization can temporarily change file access paths or lock files while syncing, preventing Word from correctly pulling the updated Excel data. Updating the files locally bypasses this limitation.

Copy Files to a Local Drive

Navigate to your OneDrive folder. Select both the Word document and the linked Excel workbook, copy them, and paste them into a purely local folder, such as your Desktop or local Documents folder.

Update the Excel Data

Open the locally saved Excel workbook, modify your chart data as needed, and save the file. Leave the file open or close it, depending on your workflow.

Refresh the Word Chart

Open the locally saved Word document. Right-click the linked chart and select 'Update Link', or simply click on the chart and press F9 on your keyboard to refresh the data.

Upload Back to OneDrive

Once you have verified that the chart is updated successfully in Word, save the document. Copy both updated files and paste them back into your OneDrive folder to resume cloud synchronization.

Save and Update the Linked Files Locally

Submit Microsoft Feedback: Because this is a known limitation of how Office handles OLE links in synchronized folders, consider submitting feedback to Microsoft requesting improved support for linked files in OneDrive.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Word chart link break when saved in OneDrive?

Word and Excel links use Object Linking and Embedding (OLE), which requires absolute file paths. OneDrive syncs files using web-based URLs or dynamic background paths, which often disrupts Word's ability to locate the linked Excel workbook while it is actively syncing.

Is there a way to update the linked chart without moving files from OneDrive?

Sometimes, completely closing the Excel file before attempting to update the chart in Word can allow the link to refresh. However, because OneDrive may still be locking the file for upload, the most reliable method is to perform the updates locally.

Can I use relative paths for linked charts in Word?

No, Microsoft Word and Excel currently do not support relative file paths for OLE linked objects. They strictly rely on absolute file paths, which is the primary reason synchronization services like OneDrive struggle to maintain the link connection.

Excel & Data Problems