Related topics
×
Add and edit data
Sign in with Microsoft
Sign in or create an account.
Hello,
Select a different account.
You have multiple accounts
Choose the account you want to sign in with.
Add and edit data

Link to shared data

Your browser does not support video. Install Microsoft Silverlight, Adobe Flash Player, or Internet Explorer 9.

Try it!

If you maintain data in other sources, like Excel spreadsheets and SharePoint sites, rather than copying it into Access, link to the data from your Access database. This ensures that you’re always working with the latest data from that source.

Note: Access always pulls in the most recent changes from a linked document, like an Excel spreadsheet or an XML file, but doesn’t update the source file with changes you make in Access. A linked SharePoint list or Access database updates both ways.

Link to data in a shared document

  1. On the External Data tab, select the type of data you want to link to (Excel, Access, Text File, XML file, or HTML file).

    Access' External Data tab
  2. Select Browse, select a file, and then select Open.

  3. If necessary, specify which data you want to link to and how, and then name the new table. Then, select OK or Finish.

If necessary, specify which data you want to link to and how, and then name the new table. Then, select OK or Finish.

The Navigation pane shows the new, linked table.

Link to data in a SharePoint list

  1. On the External Data tab, select More > SharePoint List.

  2. Specify the SharePoint site.

  3. Select Link to the data source by creating a linked table, and then click Next.

  4. Select the list you want to link to, and then click OK.

The Navigation pane shows the new, linked SharePoint list. The blue arrow indicates that it's a linked table:

The Navigation pane

SharePoint may link to additional, related tables in the database, also indicated by a blue arrow. To keep things working correctly, be sure to retain those objects in the database.

Want more?

Import or link to data in an Excel workbook

Import from or link data to a SharePoint list

Excel training

Outlook training

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Was this information helpful?

What affected your experience?
By pressing submit, your feedback will be used to improve Microsoft products and services. Your IT admin will be able to collect this data. Privacy Statement.

Thank you for your feedback!

×