Data Import & Export

How to Import or Link Data Between Excel Files in OneDrive

John Wilson Oct 8, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to learn how to properly prepare and link data between two Excel workbooks that are stored in OneDrive using Microsoft 365 Family.

How to Import or Link Data Between Excel Files in OneDrive

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Importing or linking cell data from one cloud-stored Excel workbook to another without breaking the data connections.
Observed behavior: The user requires the correct workflow for handling external workbook references when files are synchronized and stored via OneDrive.

Before you start

Ensure both the source and destination Excel workbooks are completely synced to your local OneDrive folder and that you have a stable internet connection before creating the data links.

Solution 1Recommended

Link Excel Files Using the Local OneDrive Folder

The most reliable way to link or import data between OneDrive Excel files is by managing them through your local File Explorer rather than the web interface.

When dealing with external data links in Microsoft Excel, relying strictly on the web versions of files can sometimes cause connection errors. By using the OneDrive desktop sync client, Excel can read the local file paths and automatically translate them into cloud paths, ensuring your links remain intact even when shared.

Locate your local OneDrive folder

Open File Explorer on your computer and click on the 'OneDrive' folder located in the left-hand navigation pane.

Move or save both files

Ensure that both the source Excel file (containing the data) and the destination Excel file (where you want the data to appear) are saved or copied into this local OneDrive folder.

Open the destination workbook

Launch the Microsoft Excel desktop application and open the destination workbook directly from the local OneDrive folder.

Link the source data

In your destination workbook, select the target cell and type '='. Next, open the source workbook, click the specific cell or range you want to link, and press Enter to establish the connection.

Link Excel Files Using the Local OneDrive Folder

Automatic Cloud Sync: Changes made and saved using this local folder method will automatically sync to your cloud OneDrive storage while preserving the structural integrity of your workbook links.

Efficient Data Management

Easily Link and Import Data Across Workbooks in WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet offers robust data linking and importing capabilities that are fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats. You can effortlessly connect multiple workbooks stored locally or in cloud drives.

1. Open your workbooks: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open both the destination workbook and the source workbook.
2. Initiate the formula: In the destination workbook, click on the cell where you want the linked data to appear and type an equals sign (=).
3. Select the source data: Switch to the window containing the source workbook, click on the specific cell or range you wish to link to, and press the Enter key.
4. Manage your links: To update or review your connections later, navigate to the 'Data' tab on the ribbon and click on 'Edit Links' to manage your external workbook references.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats including .xlsx, .xls, and .csv.Seamlessly supports cross-workbook data linking and external references.Free, lightweight, and fast alternative to heavy spreadsheet applications.Built-in WPS Cloud integration for easy file syncing and collaboration across devices.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my Excel links break when sharing OneDrive files with others?

Links often break if they reference an absolute local file path (like C:\Users\Name\...) instead of a relative path. Storing both files in the same OneDrive directory before creating the links helps Excel generate a relative path, which remains valid when collaborators open the files on their own machines.

Can I link data between Excel files using Excel for the Web?

Excel for the Web has limited capabilities when it comes to creating new external workbook links. It is highly recommended to use the desktop Excel application and open the files from your local synced OneDrive folder to create and reliably update external data connections.

How do I update linked data if the source Excel file changes?

Open your destination workbook in the desktop application. Navigate to the 'Data' tab, click on 'Edit Links' or 'Queries & Connections', select the source file from the list, and click 'Update Values' to fetch the latest data.

Excel & Data Problems