Word Document Not Updating using Excel Data Link

Question

Versions - Updated 2020

Word 16.43

Excel 16.43

I am using a Mac and I linked my Excel Data to a Word Document, but the Word Document is not updating with the changes made in Excel.  If I open the source document, I can see the updated data, but it is not reflected on the actual word doc.  

Any ideas how to resolve.

Answer 1

Hi Sweety,

Thank you for posting your query in our community.

Based on your description, the linked Excel data can't be updated in Word document on Mac. I tested it on my side, however, there was no problem.

May I know that whether you inserted Excel data in one of the following three ways: Link & Keep Source Formatting, Link & Use Destination Styles, Paste Special… > Paste link > Microsoft Excel Worksheet Object?

If yes, then please go Edit > Link… > to open the Links page, select Automatic update, and then click Update now, will these Excel data been updated successfully?

If the problem persists, could you please create a new Word file and link Excel data in it to see whether the problem happens again?

Best regards,

Jazlyn

Answer 2

Additional to verifying that the links are set to update Automatically go to Word> Preferences> General to check the box to Update automatic links at Open... otherwise the data in the document will update only if the source file is open at the same time. Note that doing so often is not desirable

• the link can be updated at any time by right-clicking the data & selecting the Update Link command or by using the Update Now button in the Links dialog.

Answer 3

Hi Jazlyn,

I used the 2nd and 3rd method. I created a test doc and it still does not update.  I get the message that it is linked and I choose Yes to update, but it doesn't change on Word.  If I click through to the source document, I can see the change, in this case 20.  

I did send the 2 files to my teacher and she could get it to work on a PC.  Do you have a Mac?

I also checked my Word preferences and it is set to Update Automatic Links at Open.

Answer 4

Hi Bob,

I have been testing a simpler doc and it doesn't update on Word.  I tried Update Now, the source file says 20.  If I click through to the Data, it is updated.

Answer 5

Have you saved the "test" Word document? I don't believe links will update in an unsaved document.