Word doesn't update linked Excel graphs

Question

Hi, I have been trying to automate the data collection that occurs at my University using excel charts, graphs and linking them to a summarized word document.

Basically I start in excel with excel tables and create a plot of the data of those tables. I then PASTE using Keep Source Formatting and Link Data in word.

I am able to update the data automatically at first and the changes can be seen. However, when I close word and I update Excel and save. the next time I open word I am prompted with a message asking if I want to update the document, I click yes but my graph doesn't update.

My graph in excel updates but not word. Only when I right click and edit data in word, I can see that it links me to the correct file with the changes and I can save and the graph in word will update. This is not practical as I have over 20+ graphs that are linked.

I also do not want to paste special and use Microsoft chart object option as the formatting is a little funky.

I have gone into link to files and set it to automatic updates, I have tried to refresh data in the chart design but to no avail. The issue is when I close word, make changes in excel, open word again and the graph is not updated even though I am given a prompt to update any linked files.

My word and excel are up to date for Microsoft 365 and Office.

Any help on this would be much appreciated.

Answer 1

Dear Peter Groppino,

Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you

According to my tests, when you first link data, the changes occur in real time.

Word asking whether to update the data depends on the following Settings: File- Info-Edit Links to File

You can set manual or automatic data update:

 

Once set to automatic, the following prompt appears when you open the document again:

I notice that you seem to be experiencing this prompt as well, but you are not automatically updating the data. In my tests, I did not encounter the same situation, The chart data I inserted can be automatically updated when completed:

Therefore, I would like to ask you to create a new document to see if the new document still fails to update automatically:

That's the way I paste it:

If the new document can be automatically updated, I recommend that you try using the new document, if the new document cannot be automatically updated either. Please inform us of the following information:

• The screenshot version information of Word you are using (File - Account - version information)
• Have your classmates/colleagues experienced this phenomenon?

Sincerely,

Tin | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 2

Hi Tin,

Thank you for the quick response. I have tried making a new document in excel and word and followed the above steps. Again at first I am able to see the change, so it is working.

Once I close word and I add more data to the excel tables and save. I then open word and am given that prompt as shown above but when I click yes my graph does not update. If I edit data and drag the range data down the graph will update

The data is still linked to the correct workbook but is not updating automatically when I close word. Here is the attached screenshot of the version of word I am using.

Let me know what you think. Again I don't want to use Microsoft chart object under paste special and link to file as the formatting is funky.

Cheers,

Peter