Forum Discussion
Excel xlookup issues after upgrade to version 2509
Excel xlookup is ignoring the references to external file name references after the most recent update to version 2509. I have tried several times to get it to work with no avail. The file with the State name is Warehouse addresses.xlsx and as shown below the current file is named WarehouseList2025-1010.xlsx. Both files are saved in the same folder. Since the formula cannot find a zip code match in column E of the current worksheet, it returns a #VALUE! error.
1 Reply
hi Debra1070 I’ve seen similar reports since the Excel version 2509 update, where XLOOKUP no longer correctly resolves external file references (even when files are in the same folder).
A few things you can try while Microsoft investigates:
Check the formula path – open both files side by side and reselect the external range. Sometimes Excel 2509 changes how relative paths are stored.
Use full path references temporarily (e.g., 'C:\Users\...\Documents\[Warehouse addresses.xlsx]Sheet1'!A:E) to confirm the issue is path-related.
Save and reopen both files – XLOOKUP sometimes fails to re-establish the link until both workbooks are actively open.
Try the legacy LOOKUP/VLOOKUP as a test – this helps confirm if the problem is specific to XLOOKUP’s new link handling.
Rollback to version 2508 or 2507 if it’s blocking critical work (File → Account → Update Options → View Updates → Roll Back).
You can also submit feedback directly from Excel via Help → Feedback → I have a suggestion so the product team can track the regression.
