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Fix Access 2019 Opening the Wrong URL from a Hyperlink

Huda Qurayshi Oct 9, 2026 870 views

Question details

A hyperlink field in Access 2019 is redirecting to the wrong URL when clicked, even though the same URL works perfectly when pasted directly into a web browser.

Fix Access 2019 Opening the Wrong URL from a Hyperlink

Product: Microsoft Access 2019
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Clicking a hyperlink within an Access 2019 database or Word 2019 document to navigate to a specific webpage.
Observed behavior: The hyperlink redirects to a general or incorrect URL instead of the specific intended destination, while Office 365 versions do not exhibit this behavior.

Before you start

Verify whether the issue occurs with all URLs or only specific domains by copying and pasting the problematic link directly into your web browser to ensure the URL itself is valid.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a VBA Click Event to Open the Hyperlink

Bypass the native Hyperlink Address property by using the Application.FollowHyperlink method in VBA, which routes the URL more reliably without native interception.

In certain versions of Office 2019, the built-in hyperlink properties can alter or intercept URLs, particularly those pointing to Microsoft domains. Using a simple VBA script tied to the click event ensures the raw URL is passed directly to the operating system.

Open Design View

Open your Access database, navigate to the specific form containing the problematic link, and switch to 'Design View'.

Clear Hyperlink Address

Select the control or button. Open the Property Sheet, navigate to the 'Format' or 'All' tab, and delete the URL from the 'Hyperlink Address' property.

Add Click Event

Go to the 'Event' tab in the Property Sheet, click on 'On Click', and select '[Event Procedure]' from the dropdown menu.

Insert VBA Code

Click the ellipsis (...) to open the VBA editor and enter the following code: Application.FollowHyperlink "your_url_here" (replace "your_url_here" with the actual web address).

Save and Test

Save your VBA module, close the editor, switch your form back to 'Form View', and click the control to verify it opens the correct webpage.

Use a VBA Click Event to Open the Hyperlink

Best Practice: Using Application.FollowHyperlink is a widely accepted best practice in Access development for handling dynamic or complex URLs.

Solution 2

Clear Browser Cache and Check DNS Settings

If only specific domains (like Microsoft domains) are being redirected improperly, your browser cache or DNS settings might be interfering with the URL resolution.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for Reliable Document Management

If you are experiencing persistent bugs with Microsoft Office 2019 programs like Word or Access, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and easy-to-use alternative that offers a familiar interface, seamless migration, and excellent compatibility with Microsoft file formats.

1. Download the Software: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button to obtain the lightweight installation package.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Word 2019 and Access 2019 redirect hyperlinks incorrectly?

This is a known behavior in certain builds of Office 2019 where specific domains, particularly Microsoft's own domains, get intercepted or redirected improperly compared to how Office 365 handles them. The native hyperlink field intercepts the URL before sending it to the browser.

How can I test if the hyperlink issue is browser-related?

Copy the exact URL from the Access database or Word document and paste it directly into your web browser's address bar. If it loads correctly in the browser but fails when clicked from the application, the issue lies within Office's link handling.

What does Application.FollowHyperlink do in Access VBA?

Application.FollowHyperlink is a built-in VBA method used to open a document or web page specified by a hyperlink address. It bypasses the native property of a field, often providing much more reliable routing directly to the default web browser.

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