Fix 'Update Your Browser' Error for Google Drive Links in Word
Question details
Users receive a browser update warning when attempting to open Google Drive folder links from within Microsoft Word documents.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2016, Word 2019
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Clicking on a hyperlink that directs to a Google Drive folder from inside a Microsoft Word document.
- Observed behavior
- Instead of launching the default web browser and opening the Google Drive folder, Word displays an 'Update your browser to use Google Drive' error message.
Ensure that your computer's default web browser (such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge) is fully updated to the latest version before proceeding with troubleshooting.
Contact Microsoft Office Chat Support
Since this is a known compatibility issue with Microsoft Word's internal hyperlink handling engine, contacting official support is the most reliable way to get an updated fix or registry workaround.
Microsoft Word 2016 and 2019 rely on legacy internet components to ping hyperlinks before handing them off to your default browser. Google Drive no longer supports these older components, which triggers the update warning.
Because standard troubleshooting steps often act only as temporary workarounds, Microsoft recommends escalating this known issue to their Live Chat Support team.
Open a modern web browser and visit the official Microsoft Support contact page at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/home/contact.
In the search or issue description box, type 'Word Google Drive link browser error' and review the suggested help articles.
If the provided articles do not resolve the issue, click on the 'Get Help' button, look for the contact options at the bottom, and select 'Live Chat' to speak directly with an Office expert.
Manually Copy and Paste the Hyperlink
Bypass Word's internal link-checking engine entirely by copying the link directly into a modern, supported web browser.
Use WPS Office to Avoid Link Compatibility Issues
Microsoft Word 2016 and 2019 often struggle with modern web links because they rely on outdated internet components. WPS Office is a free, modern, and lightweight alternative that handles all external hyperlinks, including Google Drive folders, seamlessly while maintaining full compatibility with your existing Word documents.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Download the free WPS Office suite from the official website and follow the simple installation prompts.
- 2. Open Your Word Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the .docx or .doc file containing your Google Drive links.
- 3. Click Links Seamlessly: Click any Google Drive hyperlink. WPS Office will route the link directly to your default modern browser without throwing legacy update errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word say I need to update my browser for Google Drive links?
Older versions of Word, such as 2016 and 2019, use legacy Internet Explorer components to verify hyperlinks before opening them. Google Drive blocks these outdated components for security reasons, causing Word to display a browser update message.
Can I fix this by changing my Windows default browser?
Changing your default Windows browser to Chrome or Edge is recommended, but it may not completely solve the issue. Word still forces the link through its internal legacy engine first before passing it to your default browser.
Is there a permanent fix for this Google Drive link issue in Word?
Because this is a core compatibility issue with how older versions of Word handle hyperlinks, there is no simple one-click permanent fix. Users generally have to rely on registry edits provided by Microsoft Support, manual copy-pasting, or using modern alternative software like WPS Office.
