Linked Spreadsheet Not Refreshing

Question

Linked Spreadsheet Not Refreshing

Jim Speiser 160

I have a spreadsheet inserted into a OneNote page. I understand that I can update the original file and then refresh the linked copy in OneNote from the original by right-clicking the icon and choosing "refresh." (Am I wrong about that?)

Unfortunately this is not working for me currently. Choosing “refresh" produces a small Window titled Microsoft OneNote, along with a progress bar. The progress bar gets to about 20% and stops. Nothing gets updated.

any advice?

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Answer accepted by question author

Alex_T 6,385 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello Jim Speiser,

Thank you for reaching out in Microsoft Q&A forum

I know it’s frustrating when the refresh bar reaches 100% but the linked spreadsheet still doesn’t update.

Since you’ve already tried the basic steps, here are the most common causes when the progress bar completes but the object still won’t refresh:

The link is broken even though refresh “looks” successful
- If the Excel file was ever moved, renamed, or stored in a different path (local → OneDrive → SharePoint), OneNote sometimes pretends to refresh but doesn’t actually reconnect.
- Fix: Right‑click the spreadsheet in OneNote → Open. If it opens from a temp copy instead of the real file, the link is broken and needs reinserting.
Embedded OLE object became corrupted
- Delete the existing spreadsheet object.
- Insert → File → select the Excel file → choose Insert as attachment (or Insert Spreadsheet → Existing Excel).
- Try Refresh again.
Excel stays open in background even after closing
- Excel background processes can block OneNote from updating the object.
- Fix: Open Task Manager → kill all EXCEL.EXE processes → then try Refresh again.
Version mismatch (OneNote vs Office)
- If OneNote Desktop (OneNote 2016/2021/365) is running with a different bit‑version than Excel (32‑bit vs 64‑bit), OLE refresh sometimes completes but fails to apply the update.
- Fix: Make sure OneNote and Excel are the same bit version.
OneNote cache interference
- Close OneNote.
- Press Win+R → paste: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneNote\16.0
- Rename the cache folder to cache_old.
- Restart OneNote → retry Refresh.

Let me know if you need further help

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Alex_T 6,385 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-29T19:35:34.2166667+00:00

Hello Jim Speiser,

I wonder if your issue is solved or not. I haven't received any updates from you, and I hope that your issue has been resolved.

If your issue had been resolved, I would like to close this case. But if you still need any assistance, I would like to help.

Very appreciate
Jim Speiser 160 Reputation points

2025-12-29T20:27:29.6966667+00:00

Update:

I tried deleting the spreadsheet from the OneNote page and re-inserting. I now get an error:
Jim Speiser 160 Reputation points

2025-12-29T20:32:42.9666667+00:00

Apologies for the delay between my responses. I am currently attempting to resolve seven tech issues, plus arguing with two different sites over cancelling subscriptions, etc. etc. Please be patient; I will acknowledge any resolution we come up with.
Alex_T 6,385 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-29T21:25:11.5933333+00:00
Hi Jim Speiser,

Thanks for your screenshots.

Based on your screenshots, please try these:

A. Re‑insert the spreadsheet to repair the broken OLE link

This replaces the corrupted embedded object that “pretends” to refresh.

In OneNote (Desktop), delete the current spreadsheet icon/object.

Insert ▸ Spreadsheet ▸ Existing Excel Spreadsheet.

Browse to the workbook and choose Insert Spreadsheet (not just attachment).

Right‑click the new object ▸ Refresh and test

B. Make the workbook fully local & unlock it, then kill background Excel

OneNote can’t update if the file is read‑only, cloud‑stubbed, or Excel is still running in the background.

Move the .xlsx to a local folder (e.g., Documents\Reports\…).

If it’s on OneDrive/SharePoint, in File Explorer Right‑click ▸ OneDrive ▸ Keep on device to fully download.

File ▸ Properties: ensure Read‑only is unchecked.

Close Excel, then open Task Manager ▸ Details ▸ End task for all EXCEL.EXE instances.

Return to OneNote ▸ Refresh.

C. Switch to a reliable visual update path (workaround)

If OLE keeps failing, capture updates as printouts while keeping the workbook attached for editing.

In Excel: File ▸ Print ▸ Printer: OneNote (Desktop) to insert a printout of the latest sheet(s).

Also Insert ▸ File ▸ Attach File to keep the editable workbook alongside the page.

When you edit the workbook next time, re‑print to OneNote to reflect changes.

Let me know how it goes
Jim Speiser 160 Reputation points

2025-12-29T21:43:49.27+00:00

Your solution (A) is exactly what I have been doing. I have not been inserting attachment, I've been inserting spreadsheet.

Following solution (B), I moved the file to a local folder, made sure Read-Only was unchecked, then made sure no instance of Excel was running. I inserted Spreadsheet, but the same error was generated.

Working on solution (C), and that may work, but as you say, it is only a workaround. At some point I'd like to swat this for reals.

Thank you, and Happy New Year.
Jim Speiser 160 Reputation points

2025-12-31T21:01:19.5666667+00:00

Update:

Solution (C) is working for the moment. I will mark this answered, but may revisit at a later date to fully solve the problem.

Thank you and happy New Year.
Alex_T 6,385 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-31T21:49:56.2233333+00:00

Hi Jim Speiser,

Thank you for your kindness.

Glad to hear Solution (C) is helping for now. Just to note, it’s more of a temporary workaround, and I also hope a proper long‑term fix becomes available. If the issue returns later, feel free to come back and we can look into it again. Happy New Year!

1 additional answer

Your answer

Alex_T 6,385 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-29T19:35:34.2166667+00:00

Hello Jim Speiser,

I wonder if your issue is solved or not. I haven't received any updates from you, and I hope that your issue has been resolved.

If your issue had been resolved, I would like to close this case. But if you still need any assistance, I would like to help.

Very appreciate
Jim Speiser 160 Reputation points

2025-12-29T20:27:29.6966667+00:00

Update:

I tried deleting the spreadsheet from the OneNote page and re-inserting. I now get an error:
Jim Speiser 160 Reputation points

2025-12-29T20:32:42.9666667+00:00

Apologies for the delay between my responses. I am currently attempting to resolve seven tech issues, plus arguing with two different sites over cancelling subscriptions, etc. etc. Please be patient; I will acknowledge any resolution we come up with.
Alex_T 6,385 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-29T21:25:11.5933333+00:00

Hi Jim Speiser,

Thanks for your screenshots.

Based on your screenshots, please try these:

A. Re‑insert the spreadsheet to repair the broken OLE link

This replaces the corrupted embedded object that “pretends” to refresh.

In OneNote (Desktop), delete the current spreadsheet icon/object.

Insert ▸ Spreadsheet ▸ Existing Excel Spreadsheet.

Browse to the workbook and choose Insert Spreadsheet (not just attachment).

Right‑click the new object ▸ Refresh and test

B. Make the workbook fully local & unlock it, then kill background Excel

OneNote can’t update if the file is read‑only, cloud‑stubbed, or Excel is still running in the background.

Move the .xlsx to a local folder (e.g., Documents\Reports\…).

If it’s on OneDrive/SharePoint, in File Explorer Right‑click ▸ OneDrive ▸ Keep on device to fully download.

File ▸ Properties: ensure Read‑only is unchecked.

Close Excel, then open Task Manager ▸ Details ▸ End task for all EXCEL.EXE instances.

Return to OneNote ▸ Refresh.

C. Switch to a reliable visual update path (workaround)

If OLE keeps failing, capture updates as printouts while keeping the workbook attached for editing.

In Excel: File ▸ Print ▸ Printer: OneNote (Desktop) to insert a printout of the latest sheet(s).

Also Insert ▸ File ▸ Attach File to keep the editable workbook alongside the page.

When you edit the workbook next time, re‑print to OneNote to reflect changes.

Let me know how it goes
Jim Speiser 160 Reputation points

2025-12-29T21:43:49.27+00:00

Your solution (A) is exactly what I have been doing. I have not been inserting attachment, I've been inserting spreadsheet.

Following solution (B), I moved the file to a local folder, made sure Read-Only was unchecked, then made sure no instance of Excel was running. I inserted Spreadsheet, but the same error was generated.

Working on solution (C), and that may work, but as you say, it is only a workaround. At some point I'd like to swat this for reals.

Thank you, and Happy New Year.
Jim Speiser 160 Reputation points

2025-12-31T21:01:19.5666667+00:00

Update:

Solution (C) is working for the moment. I will mark this answered, but may revisit at a later date to fully solve the problem.

Thank you and happy New Year.
Alex_T 6,385 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-31T21:49:56.2233333+00:00

Hi Jim Speiser,

Thank you for your kindness.

Glad to hear Solution (C) is helping for now. Just to note, it’s more of a temporary workaround, and I also hope a proper long‑term fix becomes available. If the issue returns later, feel free to come back and we can look into it again. Happy New Year!

Answer 1

It sounds like you're experiencing issues with refreshing a linked spreadsheet in OneNote. While you are correct that you can update the original file and refresh the linked copy in OneNote, there can be various reasons why the refresh might not be working as expected. Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:

Check the Original File: Ensure that the original spreadsheet is saved and closed before trying to refresh it in OneNote.
Internet Connection: Make sure you have a stable internet connection, as OneNote may need to access the original file online.
Update OneNote: Ensure that your OneNote application is up to date. Sometimes, updates can fix bugs related to functionality.
Restart OneNote: Close and reopen OneNote to see if that resolves the issue.
Check for Errors: Look for any error messages that might provide more context on why the refresh is failing.
Reinsert the Spreadsheet: If none of the above works, you might consider removing the linked spreadsheet and reinserting it into OneNote.

If the problem persists after trying these steps, you may want to consult Microsoft support for more specific assistance.

References:

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Linked Spreadsheet Not Refreshing

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