This Document Contains Links that may Refer to other Files [Fixed]

If when trying to open a Word document you are receiving the same annoying message which tells you that This document contains links that may refer to other files, don’t panic.

There is a workaround that can help you suppress this message and fix/update all the links that are causing the message in the first place.

So, during the following lines, we will learn how to address the persistent Word error message saying that your document is containing external links that can modify the structure and the overall template that was previously set.

How do I fix the links that refer to other files error?

1. From Word , click on File and navigate towards Options.
2. Choose Quick Access Toolbar.
3. Find the Choose commands from field and then change its dropdown into All Commands.
4. Scroll down and click on Edit Links to Files and then select the Add button.
5. Save your changes.
6. Now, the page with a chain icon should have been added to your Quick Access Toolbar.
7. Click on this icon and a list of links will be displayed.
8. Select these links and set to Manual Update, or break all links.
9. That should fix your problem.

First of all, you can try to rename your Word document and check if the problem persists. If not needed, you can also break links as that can suppress this document contains links that may refer to other files message.

You can also check the following options in Word for fixing the ‘links’ issues:

• Go to File, choose Options and access Display; under Printing Options check the Update linked data before printing feature.
• Go to File, access Options and go to Advanced; then from General, check ‘update automatic links at open’.

Don’t forget to review your links before choosing to apply any certain modifications or updates to the existing document.

Also, if the error is still there after applying the steps from above, try to run the Microsoft Office automatic troubleshooter: go to File, pick Info and initiate the troubleshooter listed under Check for issues.

Another fast way to fix any Word document-related issue is to simply use a third-party repair tool just like Stellar Repair for Word.

Stellar repairs text, font, hyperlinks, header, footer, bookmarks, comments, and pretty much all aspects of your Word document, bringing it back into a perfectly functioning state.

If you know other similar solutions that can fix this malfunction don’t hesitate and share everything with us so that we can update this tutorial accordingly – don’t worry, you will receive the credits for the shared solutions.

Need more help with Microsoft Office products? You can find it in our dedicated Office Hub.

For more articles that can help you solve common PC issues, visit our Fix section.

Andrew Wafer

Andrew is not just trying to bring you closer to Windows, but he's truly interested in this platform. He just happens to be passionate about sharing that knowledge with our readers and that’s what makes his presence here, at WindowsReport, such a valuable one. He specializes in writing about the best products for this operating system and Windows 10 fixes. Determined and creative, Andrew also loves coffee, country music, and Sunday mornings.