Open a OneDrive or SharePoint file in the desktop app instead of the browser
Applies ToOneDrive for Business SharePoint in Microsoft 365 Office 365 Small Business Microsoft 365 admin OneDrive (work or school) OneDrive for Mac OneDrive for Windows

When you open a file from your OneDrive or SharePoint while signed in with a work or school account, it sometimes opens the file in the browser instead of the desktop app. If you want the file to be opened in a desktop app, you can do it by using the Open in app option.

To open and edit a file in the desktop app while in OneDrive or SharePoint:

  1. Select a file in My Files in OneDrive or Documents in SharePoint.

  2. Select the More icon Android 3 vertical dots, then select Open > Open in app.

Use open in app to open the file in desktop file

Notes: 

  • You might encounter unexpected behavior when opening a file that depends on other files. We recommend syncing the containing folder and adding a shortcut to the shared folder in your OneDrive and trying again. For more information, see Add shortcuts to shared folders in OneDrive for work and school.

  • The OneDrive sync client must be installed. If the client is not running, selecting Open in app will start the client.

Choose a default app

The Open in app feature supports all file types, not just Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. For example, you can open a .pdf or a .mp4 file in the desktop app by selecting the Open in app option.

If there is a default app available to open a file, then the Open in app option automatically chooses the default app to open that file. If the default app is not configured, it asks you to select a default app. Select an app and select Just once to open the file in that app.

Choose a default app

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.