How to Open Multiple Files with an Excel Hyperlink in WPS Spreadsheets
Question details
The user wants to know whether an Excel HYPERLINK function can open multiple matching files from a folder when a lookup returns more than one result, and what alternatives can launch them.
- Product
- WPS Office Spreadsheets
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user is working with a lookup that returns multiple matching file paths and wants to open all of the matching files from one hyperlink action.
- Observed behavior
- A standard HYPERLINK formula opens only one target per hyperlink and does not reliably launch multiple files from a dynamic-array result.
Check that your workbook contains the full file paths with file extensions and that the target folder is accessible. If you plan to use the VBA method, save the workbook as a .xlsm file after enabling the Developer tab.
Create one hyperlink per matching file with FILTER and HYPERLINK
Use this formula-based method when you want a visible, clickable list of all matching files in WPS Spreadsheets.
The HYPERLINK function cannot reliably launch multiple files from a single dynamic-array spill. Returning one path per cell and building a separate hyperlink for each path keeps the result transparent and easy to manage.
In a blank area of the sheet, enter =FILTER(path_range, condition_range=lookup_value, "No match") to spill all matching file paths into separate cells.
Next to the spill range, enter =HYPERLINK(A2, "Open file") for each returned path, replacing A2 with the actual cell that contains the file path.
Click each generated hyperlink to open the corresponding target file individually.
Open every matching file with a one-click VBA macro
Use this method when you want a single button or shortcut to launch all files listed in a range.
Use a PowerShell script to open multiple matching files
Use this method when file paths are already exported or listed outside WPS Spreadsheets and you want a Windows-native batch launch.
Open Multiple Matching Files in WPS Spreadsheets with FILTER and HYPERLINK
In WPS Spreadsheets, use the Excel-compatible FILTER function to return every matching file path, then create one HYPERLINK formula per result so each file can be opened directly from the sheet.
- 1. Open your workbook in WPS Spreadsheets: Start WPS Office and open the Excel-compatible workbook that contains your lookup data.
- 2. Return matching file paths with FILTER: In an empty cell, enter =FILTER(path_range, condition_range=lookup_value, "No match") to spill all matching paths.
- 3. Create one hyperlink per result: In the adjacent column, enter =HYPERLINK(A2, "Open file") for each path cell returned by FILTER.
- 4. Click each hyperlink to open the file: Click any generated hyperlink to launch that matching file in its default application.
- 5. Save the workbook: Press Ctrl+S to save the workbook so the hyperlinks and formulas remain available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a single HYPERLINK formula open all matching files at once?
No. The HYPERLINK function opens one target per hyperlink. To open multiple matches, return each path with FILTER and create a separate HYPERLINK formula for each path, or use VBA or PowerShell.
Does WPS Spreadsheets support the FILTER function for dynamic arrays?
Yes. WPS Spreadsheets supports the FILTER function in compatible versions, so you can spill all matching file paths into separate cells and then link each cell.
How can I open all files listed in a range with one click?
Use a VBA macro. In WPS Spreadsheets, press Alt+F11, insert a module, paste a loop that calls FollowHyperlink for each selected cell, then run it from Developer > Macros.
Can a folder hyperlink open all files in a folder simultaneously?
A folder hyperlink opens the folder window, but it cannot guarantee that all matching documents will open at once. Use per-file hyperlinks or a batch script for that.
What should I check if hyperlinks do not open the correct files?
Check that each path includes the full file location and extension, that the target file still exists, and that the cell contains a valid HYPERLINK formula. Also make sure the workbook location or folder has not changed.
