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 Bob,

Yes, I did save it.  I don't know why I can't see the update in the Word Doc.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Answer 2

Hi Sweety,

Thank you for the update.

I tested it again on my side with Mac version Big Sur and Office version 16.43, however, I still couldn't reproduce your problem.

I linked data with one of these three ways -> saved both files to desktop -> edited the data in Excel file, saved and closed it -> opened the Word file, a message which you provided screenshot would pop up -> I clicked Yes -> then the linked data would be updated successfully.

May I confirm that whether you have the latest version of Office? If not, please update your Office first.

Best regards,

Jazlyn

Answer 3

It appears that you've applied Text Wrap to the object which effectively converts it to a text box. That prevents the update from taking place. If you reset the Text Wrap to In Line you should have no problem.

AFAICT this isn't very well documented... If the updating can't be done the option should not be selectable. Use Help> Feedback to report it as something you don't like.