- Ensure Excel is configured to automatically detect internet and network paths.
- Prevent Excel from updating links whenever you save your spreadsheet, and see if that helps.
- If hyperlinks are not working in a specific Excel workbook, try repairing it.
Fix 1: Double Check the Link Path
It is possible that the file path mentioned in the hyperlink is no longer accessible or that the web page link is misspelled. Hence, it’s a good idea to verify the hyperlink for typos.
Additionally, if the name of the linked file contains a pound (#) sign , Excel may display the “Cannot Open the Specified File” error. To fix it, rename the file you are trying to hyperlink and remove the pound (#) sign from its name. After renaming the file, update the hyperlink in Excel to reflect the new filename.
Fix 2: Check AutoCorrect Options for Hyperlinks
The AutoCorrect feature in Excel can automatically convert certain types of text entries, such as internet and network paths, into hyperlinks. However, if this feature is turned off, your hyperlinks may appear as normal text in Microsoft Excel. Here’s how to fix that.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Excel on your PC and click on the File menu at the top left corner.
Step 2: Select Options from the left sidebar.
Step 3: In the Proofing tab, click on AutoCorrect Options .
Step 4: Under the AutoFormat As You Type tab, check the box for Internet and network paths with hyperlinks . Then, click OK .
Fix 3: Prevent Excel From Updating Links
When the “Update Links on Save” feature is enabled, Microsoft Excel automatically updates links to other workbooks, charts, and websites when you save a workbook. However, this feature can sometimes break hyperlinks in your Excel workbook. You can turn off this feature to see if it solves your problem.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Excel and head to File > Options .
Step 2: In the Advanced tab, scroll down and click on Web Options .
Step 3: Under the Files tab, uncheck Update links on save . Then, hit OK to save changes.
Fix 4: Disable Protected View
Many Office apps, including Excel, have a Protected View feature that safeguards your computer against opening potentially harmful links or files. This feature may sometimes mistakenly open entirely safe Excel files in Protected View, restricting your access to embedded links. If you are confident that the document is legitimate, you can temporarily disable Protected View in Excel to avoid such issues.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Excel and head to File > Options .
Step 2: Switch to the Trust Center tab and click on Trust Center Settings .
Step 3: In the Protected View tab, clear all three checkboxes to disable Protected View and click OK to save changes.
Fix 5: Repair the Excel Workbook
Are hyperlinks not working only in a specific Excel workbook? If so, the issue could be related to the file itself. Fortunately, Excel includes a repair feature that can automatically identify and fix problems with your workbook.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Excel and click on the File menu at the top-left corner.
Step 2: Select Open from the left sidebar and click on Browse .
Step 3: Browse and select your Excel file. Then, click the downward arrow next to Open to select Open and Repair .
Microsoft Excel will open your file after repairing it. After that, check if the hyperlinks are working in Excel.
Fix 6: Run the Office Repair Tool
If all else fails, consider running the Microsoft Office repair tool as a last resort. This tool can automatically fix issues with your Office apps, including Excel.
Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Installed apps from the list.
Step 2: Scroll down to locate the Microsoft Office product on the list. Click on the three-dot menu icon next to it and select Modify .
Step 3: Select Online Repair and click Repair .
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- Corrupted Excel files, faulty add-ins, and outdated printer drivers are some of the most common causes of this issue.
- Try printing another Excel file to ensure the issue is not limited to a specific spreadsheet.
- You can try running the Microsoft Office repair tool if nothing else works.
Fix 1: Save Your Excel File in XPS Format and Try Again
If Excel can’t respond to print requests, save your file in the XPS format and try again. Several users on Microsoft Community post reported fixing the issue with this simple workaround. So, if you’re in a rush, try this method.
Step 1: Open the Excel file you wish to print and click the File menu at the top left corner.
Step 2: Navigate to the Print tab and use the drop-down menu under Printer to select Microsoft XPS Document Writer . Then, click the Print button.
Step 3: When the Save Print Output As dialog appears, save your Excel file in the XPS format. It should print without issues.
Fix 2: Open Excel in Safe Mode
You can try printing an Excel file in safe mode to see if one of the third-party add-ins is causing the problem. For that, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type excel -safe in the box and press Enter .
Check to see if Excel prints your file in safe mode. If it does, one of the third-party add-ins is to blame. You can disable all add-ins and re-enable them individually to isolate the culprit.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Excel and go to File > Options .
Step 2: In the Excel Options window, switch to the Add-ins tab from the left column. Select COM Add-ins in the Manage drop-down menu and click the Go button.
Step 3: Uncheck all the Add-ins and click OK .
After this, restart Excel and enable your add-ins one at a time. Print a test page after enabling each add-in to identify the one causing the issue.
Fix 3: Update Printer Driver
Issues with your printer driver can affect Excel’s ability to print spreadsheets and lead to problems. To avoid this, you should ensure that your printer driver is up to date and functioning properly.
Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Device Manager from the menu that appears.
Step 2: Double-click on Print queues to expand it. Right-click on your printer and select Update driver .
Follow the on-screen prompts to finish updating the printer drivers. After that, try printing your file again.
Fix 4: Remove and Reinstall Your Printer
If Microsoft Excel still can’t print, try removing your printer and re-adding it on Windows. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Select Bluetooth & devices from the left sidebar and go to Printers & scanners .
Step 3: Select your printer from the list.
Step 4: Click the Remove button at the top to delete your printer.
Step 5: After that, return to the Printers & scanners menu and click on Add device . Then, follow the on-screen prompts to add your printer again.
Fix 5: Repair Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office offers a handy repair tool for any issues with Office apps. If nothing else works, consider repairing Microsoft Office by following the steps below.
Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Installed apps from the list.
Step 2: Scroll down to locate the Microsoft Office product on the list. Click the three-dot menu icon next to it and select Modify .
Step 3: Select Online Repair and hit Repair .
