SharePoint: Set Files to Open in the Desktop App by Default

Set Files to Open in the Desktop App by Default

Applies to

• Word and Excel files stored in SharePoint or OneDrive
• Users who have desktop applications installed—generally in corporate support centers.

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Overview

By default, Word and Excel files stored in SharePoint or OneDrive may open in the browser (web version). You can change your settings so files open automatically in the desktop application instead.

This article explains:

• How to change SharePoint and OneDrive so files open in the desktop app
• The difference between browser and desktop behavior
• Common limitations to be aware of

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1. Change SharePoint / OneDrive to Open Files in the Desktop App

Follow these steps from within the document library, not the Library Settings page.

1. Go to the SharePoint site that contains your documents
2. Open the document library (for example, Documents)
   
   
    
3. In the top‑right corner of the library, select Settings (gear icon)
   
   
    
4. Select Library settings
   
   
    
5. Select More library settings
   Note: Depending on your setup, your work station may skip this step and go directly to step 6.
   
   
    
6.  Select Advanced settings
   
   
    
7. Find Opening documents in the browser, then select Open in the client application
   
   
    
8. Select OK to save

After saving, Word and Excel files from this library will open in the desktop app by default for you.

Note: This setting does not appear on the main Documents → Settings page. It is only available from the document library’s Advanced settings.

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2. Browser vs Desktop App Behavior

When Files Open in the Browser

• Good for quick viewing or light edits
• Fewer features than the desktop app
• Some formatting, formulas, macros, and add‑ins are not supported

When Files Open in the Desktop App

• Full Word or Excel functionality
• Better performance for large or complex files
• Required for files that use macros or advanced features

Setting files to open in the desktop app avoids having to select “Open in desktop app” each time.

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3. Important Notes and Common Gotchas

This Setting Is User‑Specific

• The setting only affects how files open for you
• Other users must change the setting themselves if they want the same behavior

Desktop Apps Must Be Installed

• Word and Excel must be installed on your computer
• You must be signed in to the desktop apps using your InterDent account

Links from Teams or Email

• Files opened from Teams or email links may still open in the browser, depending on how the link was created

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Need Help?

If files continue opening in the browser after you change this setting:

• Restart your browser
• Confirm you are signed in to Word and Excel with your InterDent account