SharePoint Document Issues

Fix Cannot Open Excel Files in SharePoint on Mac

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to open Excel files stored in SharePoint on their Mac, as the files remain stuck on the loading screen.

Product: Microsoft Excel and SharePoint
Device & OS: MacBook Air (macOS Ventura)
Scenario: Accessing and opening Excel spreadsheets hosted on SharePoint via a web browser or desktop app.
Observed behavior: Excel files remain stuck loading indefinitely and never display their contents.

Before you start

Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection and verify that your SharePoint account has the correct viewing and editing permissions for the problematic files.

Solution 1Recommended

Isolate the Issue Between Web Browser and Desktop App

Determine if the loading issue is isolated to your current web browser or affects the Excel desktop application on your Mac.

SharePoint loading issues on macOS are often tied to specific browser cache configurations or Safari's strict privacy settings. Testing alternative access methods helps pinpoint the exact cause.

Test with an Alternative Browser

If you are using Safari, open Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Navigate to your SharePoint document library and attempt to open the Excel file.

Force Open in Desktop App

If the file hangs in the web browser, return to the SharePoint file list. Check the circle next to the Excel file, click the three-dot menu (Show actions), select 'Open', and choose 'Open in app' or 'Open in Desktop App'.

Clear Browser Cache

If you must use your current browser, clear its cache. In Safari, navigate to Safari > Settings > Privacy, click 'Manage Website Data', and remove cache files related to Microsoft and SharePoint.

Update macOS: Ensure that both your web browsers and the macOS Ventura operating system are updated to their latest versions to prevent web compatibility bugs.

Solution 2

Test Other Microsoft Office Files in SharePoint

Check if the loading issue is specific to Excel documents or if it affects all Microsoft Office files in your SharePoint environment.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Open and Edit Spreadsheets Smoothly with WPS Office

If you are facing persistent issues with Microsoft Excel and SharePoint web integrations on macOS Ventura, try downloading your files and using WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to manage your spreadsheets locally on your Mac.

1. Download the File: Select the stuck Excel file in SharePoint and click 'Download' from the top menu.
2. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for Mac from the official website.
3. Open with WPS Spreadsheet: Right-click the downloaded file on your Mac, select 'Open With', and choose WPS Office to view and edit your data instantly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls, .csv) formats.Lightweight application optimized for Mac, ensuring fast load times.Free to use with a familiar, user-friendly tabbed interface.Seamlessly edit downloaded SharePoint files locally without network lag.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel for Web get stuck loading on a Mac?

This is often caused by browser cache conflicts, outdated browser versions, or Safari's strict 'Prevent cross-site tracking' privacy setting, which can block necessary authentication tokens required by SharePoint.

Can I bypass the loading screen by downloading the SharePoint file?

Yes, you can bypass the web viewer by selecting the file in the SharePoint document library, clicking 'Download' on the command bar, and opening the local copy using a compatible spreadsheet program on your Mac.

Does macOS Ventura have compatibility issues with Microsoft Excel?

While generally compatible, older installations of the Excel desktop app might struggle on macOS Ventura. Ensure your Microsoft Office suite is fully updated via the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool on your Mac.

How do I clear my browser cache in Chrome to fix SharePoint issues?

Open Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right, go to 'Settings', select 'Privacy and security', click 'Clear browsing data', check 'Cached images and files', and click 'Clear data'.

Document & File Issues