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How to Stop Excel from Re-Enabling External Link Updates
Question details
The user needs to prevent Excel from automatically re-enabling external link updates, which causes SharePoint HTTPS links to turn into broken relative links.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reopening or exporting a workbook containing SharePoint HTTPS links in Excel 2019.
- Observed behavior
- Excel automatically resets the workbook option that controls updates to external links, causing valid HTTPS links to convert into broken relative paths.
Before modifying your link settings, ensure your workbook is saved locally and note your exact Excel build version, as external link behavior can vary significantly between different updates and licensing channels.
Configure Advanced and Trust Center Link Settings
Modify Excel's calculation options and Trust Center settings to manually block external content updates.
By default, Excel may try to recalculate and update workbook links. Disabling these options in both the Advanced menu and Trust Center can help regain control.
Open your workbook and navigate to File > Options > Advanced. Scroll down to the 'When calculating this workbook' section and uncheck the option for updating links to other documents.
In the same Excel Options window, click on 'Trust Center' in the left pane, then click the 'Trust Center Settings' button.
Select 'External Content' from the left menu. Under 'Security settings for Workbook Links', choose 'Disable automatic update of Workbook Links' and click OK to apply.
Use Absolute Hyperlinks as a Workaround
Since Excel 2019 may fail to retain link update settings permanently, using absolute URLs prevents the paths from breaking.
Temporarily Set Calculation to Manual
A temporary method to open affected workbooks without triggering immediate link recalculations.
Manage Spreadsheets Seamlessly with WPS Office
If Excel continues to reset your external link settings and disrupt your SharePoint URLs, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, stable environment for complex workbooks without forcing unexpected automatic updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my SharePoint HTTPS links turn into relative links in Excel?
Excel attempts to resolve link paths relative to the file's current location to keep them intact if folders are moved. However, with cloud-based SharePoint links, repeated automatic link updates can cause Excel to misinterpret and truncate the URL, breaking the link.
Why does the 'update links' option automatically re-check itself in Excel 2019?
Certain builds of Excel 2019 have a known behavior where workbook-specific link settings are not permanently saved. If you are experiencing this, using absolute links or upgrading to a currently supported Microsoft 365 Apps version is recommended.
How can I stop Excel from prompting me to update links when opening a file?
You can suppress the prompt by going to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > External Content. Under 'Security settings for Workbook Links', select 'Disable automatic update of Workbook Links'.
Will formatting links as absolute paths fix the issue entirely?
Yes, providing the complete HTTPS URL (an absolute link) instead of relying on a partial path prevents Excel from converting or shortening it. This ensures the link functions correctly regardless of how Excel handles external link update settings.
