Starting October 2025, external workbook links to blocked file types will be disabled by default, showing a #BLOCKED error for new links and preventing refresh of existing ones. Administrators can revert this via registry or group policy settings. A rollout and user warnings will occur from October 2025 to July 2026.
Introduction
To enhance workbook security, a new group policy is being introduced to expand File Block Settings to external workbook links. This policy allows administrators to control whether links to blocked file types can be refreshed.
If not configured, no changes will take effect immediately. However, starting October 2025, the default behavior will block external links to file types currently blocked by the Trust Center. When this policy is enabled, new references to blocked file types will return a #BLOCKED
error. Existing links will display the last successfully refreshed values but will no longer refresh.
When this will happen
General Availability: We will begin rolling out the default change in early October 2025 and end in late July 2026.
How this affects your organization
#BLOCKED
error.
What you can do to prepare
Administrators who need to allow workbook links to blocked file types can revert to the previous behavior using the following methods:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Excel\Security\FileBlock\FileBlockExternalLinks
to 0.
Set File Block Includes External Link
Files to Disabled
:
Excel Group Policy Template > Excel Options > Security > Trust Center > File Block Settings > File Block includes external link files
We recommend reviewing existing workbooks and communicating this change to users who rely on external links to ensure continuity of workflows.
Learn more: Macros from the internet are blocked by default in Office
Learn more: External Workbook Links to Blocked File Types Will Be Disabled by Default
Compliance considerations
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.