Why OneDrive Keeps Rechecking Advanced Option and How to Fix It

When Excel stops working as expected, start with the shortest official checks before you reinstall anything.

Problem Description: Automatically Rechecking Advanced Option

Recently we migrated a department from a local file share to Sharepoint Online. This brought up a problem that we hadn't seen before. The department is trying to save links within Excel 2019 spreadsheets, (they had hundreds that we migrated to SPO). We determined that you need to uncheck the advanced option for "Update links to other documents", otherwise it will replace the fully qualified "Https://whatever.com/etc/" with "../../../relativeurl/", which completely breaks their links. All of this sounds simple, but what we have discovered is that anytime we either export the spreadsheet as a pdf, or even just close and re-open that spreadsheet, it automatically re-checks that option. We'd done this repeated in testing, and it happens every time. Needless to say, this is an issue. Trying to get users to remember this would be a problem. If we open a spreadsheet with the 2019 desktop app, that contains hyperlinks, uncheck that option. Save it, then upload that saved file to SPO, we can then open that spreadsheet in excel online, or export it to pdf, and it works just fine. But if we open that file in the desktop app, it auto checks that option, and then updates the links. All of these users have their SPO libraries sync'd using Onedrive, and these links are all broken when they open any file that sync'd to their desktop using the local Excel app. Does anyone know of a way to force the application to uncheck that option and leave it unchecked? These users aren't in accounting, and don't have embedded links in formulas to other spreadsheets, so we don't have to worry about that issue

Quick Answer for Excel Setup on New Device

To address Excel 2019 resetting the "Update links to other documents" setting, provide details such as whether you are the IT administrator and the exact version number of Excel 2019.

Likely Causes Behind Calculation Issues Root Factors

• The Microsoft account or license context may not match the purchase or device.

• Cached credentials, outdated builds, or damaged local components can trigger calculation issues.

• A file-specific corruption or add-in conflict can mimic a broader application failure.

Recommended Solution: Repairing Excel Startup Issues

When to use this: Apply these steps when the symptoms match and you can access the relevant Microsoft account or administrator.

1. Refer to the "Ask to update automatic links" and "Disable automatic update" options to manage prompts for updating external links when opening workbooks.

2. Further targeted support may require additional context.

Alternative Solutions for Secondary Excel Fixes

1. Retry the Microsoft-side steps after restarting the app and device.

2. Test the same action in a private browser session or a new blank file to isolate account vs file issues.

3. Capture exact error text and screenshots before contacting Microsoft Support or your administrator.

Working with WPS Office: WPS as a Local Alternative

WPS Office cannot replace Microsoft account, activation, or cloud fixes for this scenario. It remains one of the best free Microsoft Office-compatible alternatives for opening and editing local files.

1. Download and install WPS Office from the official website.

2. Open local Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files in the matching WPS app.

3. Save a working copy locally while Microsoft-side issues are resolved.

4. Return to Microsoft Office after the primary fix succeeds.

If you need a practical local workspace in the meantime, try WPS Office.

Prevention Tips for Keeping Excel Stable Long Term

• Keep one primary Microsoft account for subscriptions and Office sign-in.

• Install updates for Office and Windows before retrying failed workflows.

• Back up important files before repair, reset, or reinstall actions.

• Document exact error messages before the next troubleshooting attempt.

FAQs About Excel Support Questions

Can WPS Office fix this calculation issues issue directly? Only when the WPS steps match the formatting or file task. Account, activation, and cloud issues stay on the Microsoft side.

Should I reinstall Excel before trying these steps? Not first. Confirm account, license, and the exact error before reinstalling.

What should I send to Microsoft Support? The affected account email, device type, Office version, exact error text, and screenshots with personal data hidden.