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Open a OneDrive or SharePoint file in the desktop app instead of the browser

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 may encounter unexpected behavior when opening a file that depends on other files. We recommend syncing the containing folder using Add shortcut and trying again.

  • 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 clicking 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 click Just once to open the file in that app.

Choose a default app

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