Data Import & Export

How to Remove Bing Maps or Linked Data Types from Excel Cells

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to remove Bing Maps or other dynamic linked data types from Excel cells to prevent them from automatically altering regional entries.

How to Remove Bing Maps or Linked Data Types from Excel Cells

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing shared workbooks where linked data types, such as Geography or Bing Maps, are causing automatic and unwanted data modifications.
Observed behavior: Linked data types automatically update and alter regional entries, unexpectedly affecting multiple cells across the shared workbook.

Before you start

Verify that you no longer need the dynamic information provided by the linked data type, as converting it to text will permanently sever the connection to the external data source.

Solution 1Recommended

Convert the Linked Data Type to Plain Text

This method removes the data selector and severs the external link, preserving your current displayed values as ordinary text.

Excel's linked data types connect your cells to external sources like Bing to pull in dynamic information. When these automatically update, they can sometimes change regional formatting or disrupt shared workbooks.

By converting these cells back to plain text, you freeze the current value in place and prevent any future automated changes.

Select the affected cells

Click and drag to highlight all the cells in your worksheet that contain the Bing Maps or other linked data types.

Open the context menu

Right-click on the highlighted cells to reveal a dropdown context menu.

Convert to text

Hover over the 'Data Type' option in the menu, then click on 'Convert to Text'. This instantly removes the data selector icon from the cells.

Convert the Linked Data Type to Plain Text

Data Preserved: The visible text values remain intact in your cells. They are now standard text strings and will not be affected by automatic regional updates.

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Edit Spreadsheets Safely Without Unwanted Data Auto-Updates in WPS Office

If Microsoft Excel's connected data types are causing unwanted automated changes in your shared workbooks, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, stable environment for spreadsheet management, ensuring your data stays exactly as you entered it.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Open Your Workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing .xlsx file directly without losing any standard formatting.
3. Edit with Confidence: Edit your shared workbooks safely, knowing that your regional text entries won't be automatically overridden by external data links.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will converting linked data to text delete the information in my cell?

No, converting to text only removes the dynamic link and the data selector icon. The visible text value currently displayed in the cell remains exactly as it was.

Can I undo the conversion if I need the linked data back?

If you just made the change, you can press Ctrl+Z to undo it immediately. Otherwise, once saved, you cannot revert ordinary text back to a linked data type automatically without reapplying the specific data type from the Data tab.

Why did my Excel cells change to a Linked Data Type automatically?

Excel may automatically convert certain recognizable terms (like city, state, or country names) into Geography linked data types if the automatic conversion feature is enabled in your Excel settings.

Excel & Data Problems