In Excel, hyperlinks allow users to link to various documents, web pages, or locations within the spreadsheet. They improve productivity by making data navigation quick & efficient. However, sometimes users encounter Excel hyperlink does not work due to numerous factors, which can be frustrating. Well, in this blog, we will explore the major factors for Excel hyperlink not working and provide thorough solutions to fix this issue.
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Why Is Hyperlink Function Not Working in Excel?
Links can malfunction for numerous unforeseen reasons. Some of the causes include:
- Incorrect hyperlink URL or Path.
- If the file has been renamed, or deleted, then the link may break.
- Issues related to cell formatting.
- The workbook is itself corrupted.
- Abrupt system shutdown with improper closing worksheet file.
- Improper security settings in MS Excel might block certain hyperlinks.
After extracting the common causes, now it’s time to know how to fix Excel hyperlink does not work issue with the help of best fixes.
How to Fix Excel Hyperlink Not Working Issue?
Follow these troubleshooting methods to overcome this hectic situation:
Way 1- Recreate Excel Hyperlink
If you have renamed the worksheet in which hyperlinks are created; commonly those that are targeted for the Hyperlinks. In that case, Excel hyperlinks might not work. So to fix this you need to recreate the Hyperlinks.
Solution:
- Try recreating the Hyperlinks again to target the renamed worksheet.
- Make use of the correct address presented in the current worksheet.
The entire process might be tiresome but will help you to open the Excel Hyperlinks.
Way 2- Uncheck Update Links on Save Option
Check whether you have performed any unintentional function like an unexpected system shutdown without saving and closing the Excel file. Well, in Excel there is an inbuilt option available to update Hyperlinks when the workbook is saved every time.
So, to make Excel Hyperlinks working, follow the steps given below.
Solution:
I know the complete process looks tedious to you. But it is much better than the situation in which you are completely restricted to open your Excel Hyperlinks.
- In Excel 2007: Hit the Office button and tap over the Excel Options.
In Excel 2010/ 2013: go to the File tab and then from the appearing menu hit the Options.
- Now in the opened dialog box of Excel options, from the left panel hit the advanced tab.
- Scroll down until you will get the General Here you have to hit the Web Options button. This will open the dialog box of web options.
- In the opened web options window move to the File tab and uncheck the “Update Links on Save”
- Hit the ok button to get out of the Web Options and Excel Options dialog box.
Hope doing this will help you to make your hyperlinks functional again, But if the Excel hyperlinks are still not working then the only option left is to make use of the automatic repair utility.
Way 3- Modify Security Settings in Excel
As already said, incorrect security settings within Microsoft Excel can sometimes block hyperlinks, especially if they lead to external content. By adjusting these settings, you can solve the Excel hyperlink not working problem.
Steps to be followed:
- Open Excel application >> click on “Options“.
- Under the Excel Options window, click on the “Trust Center” >> “Trust Center Settings.“
- After that, click on the “External Content.”
- Here, you can enable or disable certain security settings that might be blocking hyperlinks.
Also Read: Remove Hyperlink in Excel Like a Pro!
Way 4- Fix Excel Hyperlink Not Working by Repairing the Broken Links
The next solution you can try is checking and repairing the broken links of the workbook. To do so, follow the below instructions carefully.
Please Note: Create a backup before you initiate this process.
- Open the Excel workbook that holds the broken links.
- Then, navigate to Data tab >> click Edit Links.
- Under the Source file box, choose the broken links that you need to fix.
- After that, click on Change Source.
- Now, browse the folder that contains the linked data file.
- Choose the source file and click the Change Source.
- Click Close.
Way 5- Repair Corrupt Excel Workbook
In most situations, it is seen that due to the corruption of the Excel workbook, you can’t perform any task in it. So there may be a chance that your Excel workbook is corrupted and thus the hyperlink inserted in it not working.
To make your Excel workbook accessible again you need to fix it by using a reliable repair tool like MS Excel Repair Tool. It easily repairs corrupt, damaged as well as errors in Excel file. This tool allows to easily restore all corrupt Excel file including the charts, worksheet properties cell comments, and other important data.
With the help of this, you can fix all sorts of issues, corruption, and errors in Excel workbooks. This is a unique tool to repair multiple Excel files in one repair cycle and recover the entire data in a preferred location. It is easy to use and compatible with both Windows as well as Mac operating systems. This supports the entire Excel version and the demo version is free.
Steps to Utilize MS Excel Repair Tool:
How to Insert Hyperlink in Excel Sheet?
To generate a hyperlink in the offline spreadsheet, you need to follow the below steps:
- Select the text cell in which you want to make link.
- Go to the Insert tab, under the Links group, you have to click on Hyperlink.
- After that, the ‘Insert Hyperlink’ dialog box displays.
- Now, provide the address and click OK.
Also Read: How to Remove/Find Broken Links in Excel
Unique FAQs:
How Do I Enable Hyperlinks in Excel?
You can enable hyperlinks in MS Excel by navigating to Insert tab and select Hyperlink option.
Why Is Excel Not Allowing Hyperlinks?
It might possible that the hyperlink text is different from the actual file name or it may contain some special character (#).
How Do I Remove All Hyperlinks from Excel?
You can remove all hyperlinks from any Excel workbook with an ease just by following these simple steps:
- Choose all the cells having the hyperlinks or press CTRL+ A button from your keyboard.
- Now make a right-click and hit the Remove Hyperlinks option.
What Is the Shortcut to Enable Hyperlink?
Ctrl+K is the shortcut to create hyperlink in Excel.
Do Hyperlinks Slow Excel?
Having too many links in a spreadsheet can significantly slow down Excel.
Summing Up
Hyperlinks are a vital component in streamlining navigation & data management. However, by understanding the common causes and implementing the working solutions mentioned above in this blog, you can solve hyperlink not working in Excel and keep your hyperlinks functioning smoothly.
Additionally, it is recommended to handle the Excel file properly and follow the best preventive steps to protect your workbooks from getting corrupted.
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.