In your daily Excel usage, you might have come across hyperlinks that simply won't work. This situation can be frustrating and perplexing. But worry not, as this article is here to provide you with the answers you seek. In the following sections, we'll delve into the causes behind non-functional Excel hyperlinks and reveal effective solutions to get them up and running again.
Part 1. Why Are My Hyperlinks In Excel Not Working?
Are you puzzled by non-functional hyperlinks in your Excel documents? Hyperlinks that refuse to work can be a frustrating experience, hindering your productivity and causing confusion. In this section, we'll delve into the underlying reasons behind this issue.
The path to the file or website that the hyperlink points to has changed.
The "Update links on save" feature is enabled, and the workbook has been saved since the hyperlink was created.
The file name that the hyperlink points to contains a pound sign (#).
The Excel file or Microsoft Office is corrupted.
There are security restrictions on your computer that are preventing Excel from opening the file or website that the hyperlink points to.
Part 2. How to fix Hyperlink not working in Excel？
If you're facing the frustrating issue of non-working hyperlinks in Excel, don't worry – there are effective solutions to get them up and running again. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to troubleshoot and resolve hyperlink problems in your Excel documents.
Here is a tutorial on how to fix hyperlinks that are not working in Excel:
Step 1: Check Hyperlink Format
The first step is to ensure that your hyperlink addresses are correctly formatted. Right-click on a non-working hyperlink and select "Edit Hyperlink." Make sure the URL or file path is accurate. If necessary, correct any mistakes in the hyperlink address.
Step 2: Confirm File Location
Sometimes, if the linked file has been moved or renamed, hyperlinks may fail to work. Double-check the file's location and name to ensure it matches the hyperlink address. If needed, update the hyperlink with the correct path.
Step 3: Adjust Security Settings
Excel's security settings might restrict hyperlink functionality. Go to the Excel Options menu, select "Trust Center," and then click on "Trust Center Settings." Choose "Protected View" and disable options that hinder hyperlink activation.
Step 4: Disable Protected View for Hyperlinks
To allow hyperlinks to function without restrictions, disable protected views for documents originating from the internet. This can be done by unchecking the relevant options under the "File Block Settings" in the Trust Center.
Step 5: Test Hyperlinks
After making these adjustments, test your hyperlinks to ensure they are functioning as expected. Click on the hyperlinks and verify that they open the intended resources.
Here are some additional tips for fixing hyperlinks in Excel:
Make sure that the hyperlink is formatted correctly. The hyperlink should start with the text "http://" or "https://" if it is pointing to a website.
If the hyperlink is pointing to a file on your computer, make sure that the file is saved in a location that is accessible to Excel.
If you are using a relative hyperlink, make sure that the workbook that contains the hyperlink is saved in the same folder as the file or website that the hyperlink points to.
By following these steps and guidelines, you'll be well on your way to resolving hyperlink issues in your Excel documents. Regain seamless access to linked resources and streamline your Excel experience.
Part 3. Free Office Suite for Word, Excel, PowerPoint ——WPS Office
WPS Office is a free and open-source office suite developed by Kingsoft. It is a popular alternative to Microsoft Office, and it offers a wide range of features, including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and PDF tools.
Some of the features and advantages of WPS Office include:
Free and open-source: WPS Office is completely free to use and distribute.
Cross-platform: WPS Office is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Compatible with Microsoft Office: WPS Office can open and save files in Microsoft Office formats.
Rich features: WPS Office offers a wide range of features, including text formatting, table editing, chart creation, and PDF editing.
Easy to use: WPS Office is easy to use, even for beginners.
How to fix Excel hyperlink not working in WPS Office:
Step 1. Open the Excel file that contains the hyperlink that is not working.
Step 2. Right-click on the hyperlink and select "Edit Hyperlink".
Step 3. In the "Address" box, make sure that the path to the file or website that the hyperlink points to is correct.
Step 4. Click "OK".
If the hyperlink is still not working, you can try the following:
Disable the "Update links on save" feature. To do this, go to File > Options > Advanced. Under the General section, uncheck the box next to "Update links on save".
Remove the pound sign (#) from the file name that the hyperlink points to.
Repair the Excel file. To do this, go to File > Open and select the Excel file that you want to repair. Click the "More options" button and then select "Repair".
If you have tried all of the above steps and the hyperlink is still not working, you may need to contact WPS Office support for further assistance.
Steps to edit Word/Excel/Powerpoint in WPS:
To edit a Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file in WPS Office, you can follow these steps:
Step 1. Download and install WPS Office on your computer.
Step 2. Open the WPS Office app.
Step 3. Click on the "File" menu and select "Open".
Step 4. Browse to the location of the Excel, Word, or PowerPoint file that you want to edit.
Step 5. Click on the file to open it in the WPS Office.
Step 6. Make your edits to the file.
Step 7. When you are finished editing, click on the "File" menu and select "Save".
FAQs
1. How do I create hyperlinks to external websites?
Creating Hyperlinks to External Websites in Excel
Step 1. Select the cell where you want the link.
Step 2. Right-click and choose "Hyperlink" or use the "Insert" tab.
Step 3. Enter the full web address (URL) in the dialog box.
Step 4. Optionally, add text for the hyperlink display.
Step 5. Click "OK" to create the hyperlink.
Step 6. Test by clicking the cell to open the website.
2. Why are my hyperlinks redirecting to the wrong location?
If your hyperlinks are taking you to unexpected places, a few factors might be causing this issue:
1. Incorrect URLs: Check if the hyperlink addresses are accurate. Typos or missing characters can lead to wrong redirections.
2. Relative Paths: Hyperlinks might be using relative paths instead of full URLs. Ensure links start with "http://" or "https://".
3. Renamed or Moved Files: If linked files were renamed or moved, hyperlinks can't locate them correctly.
4. Cell Formatting: Cell format changes can affect hyperlinks. Make sure they're applied consistently.
5. Security Settings: Excel's security settings can block certain hyperlinks. Review settings to allow trusted links.
6. Link Text Errors: If text is edited, make sure it's not inadvertently changing the hyperlink address.
7. Cached Data: Cached data might direct to old locations. Clear browser and Excel cache.
By addressing these factors, you can fix hyperlink redirection issues and ensure smooth navigation to the right locations.
Summary
Resolving Excel hyperlink issues entails understanding potential causes, from incorrect URLs to security settings, and implementing solutions such as verifying links and adjusting settings. Moreover, WPS Office emerges as a robust ally, offering stability and efficiency in managing hyperlinks while providing a suite of office tools for seamless productivity. By addressing hyperlink challenges and harnessing the capabilities of WPS Office, users can navigate Excel with confidence and ease.
