Fix Cannot Open Specified File Error for Tel Hyperlinks in Excel
Question details
Users encounter an error stating 'Cannot open the specified file' when clicking on tel: hyperlinks in Excel to open phone or WhatsApp applications.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Clicking a telephone number hyperlink using the tel: protocol in an Excel workbook after an Office or Windows update.
- Observed behavior
- Excel fails to open the associated calling application and displays an error message stating 'Cannot open the specified file'.
Ensure you have a compatible calling application installed on your Windows PC, such as Phone Link, Skype, or WhatsApp Desktop, before modifying protocol settings.
Assign a Default App for the tel: Protocol in Windows
Manually linking the tel: protocol to a specific calling app in Windows Settings usually resolves hyperlink execution errors in Excel.
Excel relies on Windows protocol handlers to know which application should open specific link types like tel: for phone numbers or mailto: for emails. When an update disrupts these associations, Excel can no longer trigger the correct application.
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Windows Settings menu.
Click on Apps in the left sidebar, then select Default apps from the menu.
Scroll down and click on 'Choose default apps by protocol', or simply search for 'tel' directly in the search bar provided.
Locate the 'TEL' protocol in the list and click the app icon next to it. Select a supported calling application like Phone Link, Skype, or WhatsApp from the prompt.
Return to your Excel workbook and click the tel: hyperlink again to verify that the correct application launches without error.
Check for Microsoft 365 Updates
If the hyperlink issue began immediately following a Microsoft 365 update, applying a newer patch may resolve the known bug.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Management
Tired of frustrating hyperlink bugs after Microsoft Office updates? WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that makes managing your spreadsheets effortless. Enjoy a familiar interface and seamless migration without the heavy subscription fees.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation file.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen prompts to quickly set up the office suite on your PC.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing file to seamlessly interact with hyperlinks and data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my tel: hyperlinks suddenly stop working in Excel?
This issue is commonly caused by Windows or Microsoft Office updates that inadvertently reset default protocol associations or introduce bugs that prevent Excel from communicating properly with the operating system's default calling application.
What is a tel: hyperlink used for in Excel workbooks?
A tel: hyperlink allows users to click on a phone number within a cell to automatically initiate a call or text message using an installed desktop communication application like Skype, Phone Link, or WhatsApp.
Can I link to a specific app instead of using the default tel: protocol?
Yes. While the tel: protocol relies on Windows Default Apps settings, you can often use app-specific URL schemes (such as wa.me/ for WhatsApp) directly within your Excel hyperlink formulas as a reliable workaround.
