6 Ways to Fix Hyperlinks Not Working in Microsoft Excel for Windows

Quick Tips

• Ensure Excel is configured to automatically detect internet and network paths.
• Prevent Excel from updating links whenever you save your spreadsheet, and see if that helps.
• If hyperlinks are not working in a specific Excel workbook, try repairing it.

Fix 1: Double Check the Link Path

It is possible that the file path mentioned in the hyperlink is no longer accessible or that the web page link is misspelled. Hence, it’s a good idea to verify the hyperlink for typos.

Additionally, if the name of the linked file contains a pound (#) sign, Excel may display the “Cannot Open the Specified File” error. To fix it, rename the file you are trying to hyperlink and remove the pound (#) sign from its name. After renaming the file, update the hyperlink in Excel to reflect the new filename.

Fix 2: Check AutoCorrect Options for Hyperlinks

The AutoCorrect feature in Excel can automatically convert certain types of text entries, such as internet and network paths, into hyperlinks. However, if this feature is turned off, your hyperlinks may appear as normal text in Microsoft Excel. Here’s how to fix that.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Excel on your PC and click on the File menu at the top left corner.

Step 2: Select Options from the left sidebar.

Step 3: In the Proofing tab, click on AutoCorrect Options.

Step 4: Under the AutoFormat As You Type tab, check the box for Internet and network paths with hyperlinks. Then, click OK.

Fix 3: Prevent Excel From Updating Links

When the “Update Links on Save” feature is enabled, Microsoft Excel automatically updates links to other workbooks, charts, and websites when you save a workbook. However, this feature can sometimes break hyperlinks in your Excel workbook. You can turn off this feature to see if it solves your problem.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Excel and head to File > Options.

Step 2: In the Advanced tab, scroll down and click on Web Options.

Step 3: Under the Files tab, uncheck Update links on save. Then, hit OK to save changes.

Fix 4: Disable Protected View

Many Office apps, including Excel, have a Protected View feature that safeguards your computer against opening potentially harmful links or files. This feature may sometimes mistakenly open entirely safe Excel files in Protected View, restricting your access to embedded links. If you are confident that the document is legitimate, you can temporarily disable Protected View in Excel to avoid such issues.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Excel and head to File > Options.

Step 2: Switch to the Trust Center tab and click on Trust Center Settings.

Step 3: In the Protected View tab, clear all three checkboxes to disable Protected View and click OK to save changes.

Fix 5: Repair the Excel Workbook

Are hyperlinks not working only in a specific Excel workbook? If so, the issue could be related to the file itself. Fortunately, Excel includes a repair feature that can automatically identify and fix problems with your workbook.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Excel and click on the File menu at the top-left corner.

Step 2: Select Open from the left sidebar and click on Browse.

Step 3: Browse and select your Excel file. Then, click the downward arrow next to Open to select Open and Repair.

Microsoft Excel will open your file after repairing it. After that, check if the hyperlinks are working in Excel.

Fix 6: Run the Office Repair Tool

If all else fails, consider running the Microsoft Office repair tool as a last resort. This tool can automatically fix issues with your Office apps, including Excel.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Installed apps from the list.

Step 2: Scroll down to locate the Microsoft Office product on the list. Click on the three-dot menu icon next to it and select Modify.

Step 3: Select Online Repair and click Repair.