7 Solutions for Greyed Out Edit Links or Change Source Option in Excel

Solution 1 – Workbooks Must Contain External Links to Enable Greyed Out Edit Links

The Edit Link function is used to control links between different workbooks, such as external links. So, if your workbook doesn’t have any external links then the feature will remain greyed out.

External links are links to different workbooks, not links from the internet.

Read More: [Fix:] Edit Links in Excel Not Working

Solution 2 – Cells Must Carry Formula to Prevent Edit Links from Greying Out

The Edit Link feature works only on formulas in cells, not in range names or other values. If you have range names or just a direct path linked to other workbooks, but have no formulas in cells that are representing those names or directories, then Edit Links will remain greyed out.

To solve the problem, enter the directory path or the name range like a formula; with an equal sign (=) before it.

Solution 3 – File Name Must be Entered with Proper Extension to Enable Edit Links in Excel

The file name of the other workbook that you are linking to the current workbook, must have the proper extension. For instance, make sure you enter the extension as .XLSX instead of .XLS.

Solution 4 – Modify Excel Built-in Options to Edit Links That Greyed Out

Sometimes, Excel’s built-in options prevent you from Edit Links in your workbook.

To modify Excel Options to enable the Edit Links feature:

• Go to File -> Options.

• Click on Advanced.
• From the General group, uncheck Ask to update automatic links.
• Click OK.

This will enable the Edit Links tool in your Excel workbook.

Solution 5 – Turn Off the Compatibility Mode to Enable Greyed Out Edit Links in Excel

If the file is open with compatibility mode, then the Edit Link will be greyed out.

To turn off the compatibility mode:

• Go to File -> Info.
• You will see the required file name with Compatibility Mode written next to it. Click on the file.
• A Microsoft Excel pop-up window will appear. Click OK, then click Yes to convert the compatible file into the existing file format.

Once you turn off the compatibility mode from the Excel workbook, then you can Edit Links.

Solution 6 – Source References Must be Untouched to Change Source in Excel

If you link another workbook in your existing workbook and later remove or modify the linked workbook, then the Change Source button will not be enabled as it won’t find the source workbook anymore.

To prevent this problem, you mustn’t modify the linked workbook once you are done linking it with your current workbook.

Solution 7 – Update the File Format to Change Source in Excel

If the linked workbook has links to a closed workbook that is saved in the HTML file format, then the Change Source button will not be enabled. To avoid this problem, make sure that you save the file in the appropriate format.

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