The image is automatically embedded in the document.

[maxk97055834]

There is no dialog box with a choice of image placement. The image is automatically embedded in the document.

How to solve this problem?

Windows 10

Illustrator 23.0.1 (64 bit)

[meganchi]

When you go to File...Place command, do you see a checkbox at the bottom of the dialog box that says "Link"? If so, make sure it is checked.

[John Mensinger]

When you choose File > Place, the Place dialog that facilitates your file selection should have a "Link" checkbox near the bottom. If not, you may need to reset your preferences.