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amshaikh2026's avatar
amshaikh2026
Occasional Reader
Feb 12, 2026

Link doesn't work

We have recently started experiencing an issue when opening links within Excel on Azure Virtual Desktop. Our AVD environment is currently running the Version 2601, but the behaviour is very inconsistent, only a couple of users are affected, and the issue appears completely random. Interestingly, it works fine for most users both inside AVD and outside AVD.

Affected users are receiving the following error message (screenshot below).

 

 

So far, I have tried the following without success:

  • Clearing the Excel cache
  • Deleting the Excel container from the registry:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Excel

Is anyone else experiencing the same issue, or aware of a fix/workaround?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

excel

1 Reply

  • NikolinoDE's avatar
    NikolinoDE
    Platinum Contributor
    Feb 14, 2026

    The error message shows Excel trying to open a file:/// link to a UNC path with URL-encoded spaces:

    file:///\\G...\Year%20end%20pack%202024.xlsx%23API!A1

     

    This is almost always a link parsing issue, not a missing file.

    This strongly suggests a profile-specific Office/URL handler issue, not a global Excel or server problem.

    Most Likely Cause

    Excel 365 (newer builds like 2601) sometimes mishandles:

    • URL-encoded file paths
    • file:/// UNC format links
    • FSLogix-mounted profile redirections

    Especially when the hyperlink includes a cell reference (#API!A1).

     

    Workarounds/Fix

    Recreate the Hyperlink

    From:

    file:///\\Server\Share\Folder\Year%20end%20pack%202024.xlsx#API!A1

    to:

    \\Server\Share\Folder\Year end pack 2024.xlsx#API!A1

    Or recreate using:

    Right-click → Link → Existing File → browse to file

    Do NOT paste a file:/// URL.

    If this fixes it → your issue is URL encoding handling in that build.

     

    If You Want a Permanent Technical Solution

    If these are auto-generated links (SharePoint, scripts, etc.), modify them so they:

    Don’t use:

    file:///\\server\share\file.xlsx

    Use:

    \\server\share\file.xlsx

     

    In the End, in AVD environments on 2601, the most consistent fix I've seen is:

    Online Repair Office + disable Office file sync integration.

     

    My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

     

    Hope this will help you.

     

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