FREE XLSX SHARING CHECK
Excel External Link Checker
Excel can keep links to other workbooks and data sources outside the visible grid. Choose an XLSX file to find supported external references locally, see where CheckBefore found them, and review the destinations before you share the workbook.
Private scan workspace
Check a file before it leaves your hands.
Start with 2 free checks — no account needed.Original stays unchanged.
Choose a file or drop it here
SUPPORTED COVERAGE
What can be detected
- External workbook relationship records stored in the XLSX package
- Cell formulas that reference another workbook or a local or network file path
- Defined names that point to another workbook, file path, or web address
- External data connection and query-table records
- File, network, and web destinations exposed by supported workbook structures
- Related hidden sheets, hidden rows or columns, embedded objects, VBA, ActiveX, and Excel 4.0 macro sheets
CLEAR NEXT STEPS
What can be cleaned—and what needs you
External workbook references
Supported links in workbook relationships, formulas, and defined names are shown with a target or worksheet location when the XLSX structure exposes one.
External data connections
Connection and query-table records are reported separately. Supported credential-like values are masked, and connections are never changed automatically.
Linked or active workbook content
Embedded objects, macros, ActiveX, and macro sheets remain separate findings because changing them can affect workbook behavior.
EXAMPLE — NOT A LIVE SCAN
Example findings
Real results use the same label-and-value structure and depend on the file you select. These examples do not claim a risk score or finding count.
- Formula location
- Summary!B12 — external workbook reference
- Defined name
- PriorYearSales — linked file path
- Connection
- External data connection present
ONE LOCAL WORKSPACE
How it works
- SelectChoose a supported file from this device.
- UnderstandReview the evidence and the stated scan limits.
- CleanCreate a separate copy with only supported items removed.
- RescanCheck the latest copy again and review anything left unchanged.
HONEST BOUNDARIES
What CheckBefore does not do
- CheckBefore reports supported external references but does not update, break, repair, or remove them automatically.
- It does not open destination files, crawl website URLs, or verify whether a linked workbook, file path, or hyperlink is reachable.
- Password-protected, legacy .xls, malformed, or unsupported workbook structures can result in an incomplete check.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check an Excel file for external links?
Choose an XLSX file on this page. CheckBefore inspects supported workbook relationships, formulas, defined names, connections, and related structures locally in your browser, then lists detectable external references for review.
Does this find links hidden in formulas or defined names?
It can find supported cross-workbook references and file paths in cell formulas, plus external references in defined names. Results include a worksheet and cell location when that information is available.
Can CheckBefore break or remove external links?
No. Breaking a link can replace formulas or change workbook behavior, so external links and connections remain unchanged for you to review in Excel.
Does it check for broken website links in Excel?
No. This check identifies supported external references stored in an XLSX file; it does not visit URLs or test whether websites, network paths, or linked workbooks are online.