Encountered the dreaded “we can’t update some of the links in your workbook right now” error message when trying to open and update links in the workbook? This innocuous warning can disrupt your workflow and hinder your ability to access important spreadsheet data. But no need to worry, in this article, I will mention the common causes and explore various working methods to fix this Excel error effectively.
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Understanding the Error:
If your Excel workbook has a link with the data of another workbook or file that was shifted to some other location. In such case when you try to open your workbook it will display “Excel we can’t update some of the links in your workbook.”
This message is a clear indication that your workbook has external references from the source which is currently not found. Well, this issue can be fixed easily by updating the link path of the source file or trying other solutions mentioned in this post.
Common Causes of this Error
Various reasons can lead to being unable to refresh we couldn’t get updated values from a linked workbook error message. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Due to Protected Worksheet– Sometimes, a protected Excel worksheet can also cause this error.
- File Location Changes- If the linked file location has changed or if it has been deleted or moved, the Excel application will fail to update the links.
- Break Links– When an Excel spreadsheet contains break links within it.
- Outdated Excel Software- Using an outdated version of Excel program can cause compatibility problems, leading to link update failures.
- Permission Issues- Insufficient permissions to access the Excel file can also trigger link update errors.
How to Remove We Can’t Update Some of The Links in Your Workbook Right Now?
Fixing this error message requires a systematic approach. Let’s follow the below methods to solve it:
Method 1- Check File Location & Permissions
As already mentioned above, changing or deleting the linked file location can also result in we can’t update some of the links in your workbook error. Therefore, make sure that the linked files are accessible. Besides, you have to also check for the necessary permissions to access the file.
Method 2- Unlock Protected Excel Worksheet
Mostly it is seen that users encounter this issue when they have protected Excel worksheets. Know the complete steps to unlock the password-protected Excel worksheet. This process will help to Break The Link To An External Reference In Excel.
If you have the password of your protected Excel sheet, then the task of removing protection only takes a few seconds. You can try any of the following methods to unlock your protected sheet:
Way #1. Make a right-click on the Sheet tab. Now from the context menu choose the Unprotect Sheet option.
Way #2. Go to the Review tab on your Excel application menu bar. Now from the Changes group, hit the option Unprotect Sheet.
Way #3. From the Home tab under the Cells group, tap the Format option. after than from the drop-down menu choose the Unprotect Sheet
If your Excel worksheet is password-protected then the Excel application will ask you to put the correct password. So, in that case, just type the password and tap to the OK option.
But if your Excel worksheet was not locked with any password then tapping on the Unprotect Sheet option will unlock the protected sheet.
Method 3- Remove Excel Break Links to Fix We Can’t Update Some Of The Links In Your Workbook
When any Excel user breaks a link in their Excel spreadsheet, all the formulas that are referring to the source file will attain their current value.
Suppose, if your Excel cell has the formula =SUM([Budget.xls]Annual!C10:C25) and gives the answer 45. In that case, after breaking the link the formula would be converted to simple digits 45. So, if you get stuck to the Excel edit links not working issue then break the link to an external reference in Excel. let’s know how to perform this:
- At first, Open your Excel workbook showing the Excel edit links not working error.
- Now go to the Data tab, and hit the Edit Links.
- If your workbook doesn’t have any links then the Edit Links command seems inactive.
- If the Edit Links command seems active then go to the Source file From this box choose the broken links which you want to delete.
- After the selection tap the Break Link
- At last, make a press on the Close.
Method 4- Disable Excel Update Links Error Message
In the Excel workbook, we make external links with some other Excel workbooks. In such case, when you try to open your Excel workbook having the external links each time it will show the following warning message:
So, learn how can you get rid of this annoying Excel update link error message. Well, you can perform this task in two ways:
- By Disabling the update links message with Excel Options
- By Disabling the update links message with the Edit Links feature
Disable Update Links Message With Excel Options
You can easily fix Excel update links error message by disabling the update links message with Excel Options. So, please do the same as instructed below:
- Go to the File tab of your Excel workbook and then tap the Options button.
- This will open the Excel Options dialog box; from this tap the Advanced option present in the left pane.
- After that uncheck the option Ask to update automatic links present within the General Take a look at the figure:
- now tap to the OK option to close the opened dialog box. Again, when you open this workbook, you will find that the links were automatically updated. And you won’t get any error messages this time.
Disable Update Links Message With Edit Links Feature
The first method to fix Excel update links error message is by disabling the update links message with the edit links feature. Let’s know how it is to be done:
- Tap on the Data after then on the Edit Links option, have a look over the screenshot:
- Within the Edit Links dialog box, tap the Startup Prompt option present at the bottom. Check out the following figure for a clear idea:
- In the opened Startup Prompt dialog box, select either Don’t display the alert and update links or Don’t display the alert and don’t update automatic links option as per your need.
- Tap to the OK option and close the opened dialog box.
- After making the complete procedure when you open the workbook next time, you won’t get any update link message in your Excel workbook anymore.
Method 5- Update Excel Software
Updating the Excel software is another effective resolution to overcome unable to refresh we couldn’t get updated values from a linked workbook error.
To update the Excel version, you have to:
- Open the Excel application.
- Click File >> Account
- After that, go to theUpdate Options >> Update Now.
- After that, restart your system.
That’s it…
Also Read: MS Excel Broken Links: How to Remove/Find Broken Links in Excel
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What Is the Shortcut to Change Links in Excel?
Crtl + K is the shortcut to change links in Excel.
How Do You Fix This Workbook Contains One or More Links That Cannot Be Updated?
To fix this workbook contains one or more links that cannot be updated by following these steps:
- Open the Excel spreadsheet.
- Go to the File >> Info.
- Then, click on Edit Links to Files.
- Under the popup, if related select the link & click on Break Link to confirm.
- Now, save the file.
Can Outdated Program Cause Link Update Errors in MS Excel?
Yes, running an outdated Excel version can lead to link update failures.
Why Does Excel Keep Asking Me to Update Links?
Your Excel keep asking you to update links because your Excel spreadsheet may contain phantom links.
What Are Some Best Practices to Prevent Link Update Issues in Excel?
Regularly check & update links and keep track of file locations can help you to minimize the risk of link update errors.
Conclusion
Dealing with being unable to refresh we couldn’t get updated values from a linked workbook in Excel error can be challenging. However, by applying the solutions outlined in this blog, it is easy to resolve this error and ensure a smooth spreadsheet experience.
Priyanka Sahu
Priyanka is a content marketing expert. She writes tech blogs and has expertise in MS Office, Excel, and other tech subjects. Her distinctive art of presenting tech information in the easy-to-understand language is very impressive. When not writing, she loves unplanned travels.