Changing linked Excel worksheet object item source in Word

Question

Hello,

I have two identical Excel templates containing different values. In a Word document, I linked a cell from the first Excel template. Word updates the linked cell value with any changes made to the cell in the first template which is good.

However, when I want to change the linked cell source file to link to the second template, Word links to the whole worksheet in the second template instead of the same cell in the second template. How can I fix this?

Please help!

Thank you.

Answer 1

Dear YA,

Thanks for your updates with further information.

Sorry for that I don't consider the shared files in a shared folder in OneDrive for Business.

Yes, I can reproduce the issue with the shared files in OneDrive for Business. The update object type will be automatically changed to the whole worksheet when you change the source of the file.

As a workaround, you may only create a new link from another file and then break the previous link and then manually remove the cell value in Word.

As our product developers are willing to hear users' requirements, I suggest you submit your feedback and convey your suggestions to our new Feedback platform mentioned in the following article for the product developers to know your suggestions and opinions for product improvements.

Introducing Feedback for Microsoft 365 - Microsoft Community Hub

Please note the platform page will be loaded after some time based on the network environments.

You may access the page as follows to submit the feedback as well.

You may use a personal account or a Microsoft 365 business work or school account to submit the feedback.

Thanks for your understanding.

Have a nice day!

Sincerely

Cliff | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 2

Could you please try reproducing the issue by updating the source file to a file on a shared onedrive?

It seems to work fine when i change the source files between files on my desktop but not when the new file is on onedrive.

Answer 3

Dear YA,

I did a test and I can't reproduce the issue at our side.

How do you edit the links? Do you edit it like the following (Linked Workbook Object>Links>Change Source)?

Regarding "when I want to change the linked cell source file to link to the second template, Word links to the whole worksheet in the second template instead of the same cell in the second template.", some related screenshots are appreciated.

Meanwhile, please upload a full screenshot of the Account page in Word for our reference. You can access the page via clicking on File>Account.

Note: Remove any private information before uploading the screenshots.

Thanks for your effort and time.

Sincerely

Cliff | Microsoft Community Moderator