How To Live Update Excel

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Excel is a powerful tool that can transform the way you manage and analyze data. However, one of its most useful features is the ability to live update your data. With this feature, you can ensure that your data is always up-to-date, even if it changes frequently. This article can guide you through the process of setting up a live update in Excel.

What is a Live Update in Excel?

Live updating in Excel means that your Excel file updates automatically whenever the source data changes. This is particularly useful if your data source is an external database or a live feed. For example, you might use a live update to track stock prices, sports scores, or other rapidly changing data.

How to Set Up a Live Update

Setting up a live update in Excel relies on the “Data” tab and the “Connections” options. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Select the Data tab.
  2. Click on Connections.
  3. In the Workbook Connections dialog box, select the connection you want to update, then click Properties.
  4. In the Connection Properties dialog box, under the Usage tab, check Refresh every and enter the number of minutes you want Excel to wait between automatic updates.
  5. Check Refresh data when opening the file if you want to update the data every time you open the workbook.
  6. Click OK twice to close the dialog boxes.

Setting Up a Live Update with VBA Code

If you’re familiar with VBA, you can also use it to create a live update. Here’s a simple example of how you might do this: 

    Sub AutoUpdate()
        Range("A1").QueryTable.Refresh
        Application.OnTime Now + TimeValue("00:01:00"), "AutoUpdate"
    End Sub

This simple VBA code will update the cell A1 every minute. You can customize this code by changing the range and the refresh interval to suit your needs.

Conclusion

Live updating can make your Excel workbooks more powerful and responsive. Whether you’re tracking real-time data or just want to keep your workbooks up to date, this feature can save you time and effort. By following the steps above or using the provided VBA code, you can set up a live update in Excel in no time.