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Fix Excel Files Not Opening from Google Drive Web
Question details
Users are unable to launch Excel spreadsheets from the Google Drive web interface using the 'Open With Microsoft Excel' option, even when the desktop application is already running.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel, Google Drive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to open and edit an Excel spreadsheet hosted on Google Drive directly into the local Microsoft Excel desktop application from the web browser.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Open With Microsoft Excel' button fails to launch the file in the Excel desktop application, while opening the same file through File Explorer via Google Drive for Desktop works normally.
Verify that your Google Drive for Desktop application is installed and actively syncing, as the web-based 'Open With' feature is currently experiencing known service disruptions.
Use Google Drive for Desktop via File Explorer
Bypass the web interface glitch by opening the file directly from your local file system using the Google Drive for Desktop application.
Since the web integration for Microsoft Excel is currently experiencing bugs acknowledged by Google, accessing the synchronized files directly from your computer's local storage is the most reliable workaround. This method ensures your files still sync to the cloud automatically when saved.
Launch File Explorer on your Windows PC (or Finder on a Mac) and navigate to the virtual drive labeled 'Google Drive'.
Navigate through your synchronized folders in 'My Drive' or 'Shared Drives' to locate the specific Excel file you want to edit.
Double-click the Excel file. It will launch directly in your Microsoft Excel desktop application without relying on the web browser extension.
Download the File Manually to Edit Locally
If you do not have Google Drive for Desktop installed, you can manually download the spreadsheet to edit it locally on your computer.
Edit Spreadsheets Seamlessly with WPS Office
If you are experiencing integration glitches or performance issues with Microsoft Excel, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and completely free environment for managing all your spreadsheets and office documents.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite.
- 2. Install and Setup: Follow the installation wizard and set WPS Office as your default application for spreadsheet files.
- 3. Open Your Files: Double-click any .xlsx file from your Google Drive folder to instantly edit it in WPS Spreadsheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the 'Open With Microsoft Excel' option stopped working in Google Drive?
This is a known bug affecting the Google Drive web interface (drive.google.com). Google has acknowledged the issue with the 'Open With' function failing to trigger the local desktop application and is currently investigating it for a future update.
Will my changes sync if I open the file from File Explorer instead of the web?
Yes. As long as you have Google Drive for Desktop installed and running in the background, any changes you make and save in the Excel desktop application will automatically sync back to your Google Drive cloud storage.
Does this issue affect Google Sheets as well?
No, this specific issue only affects launching third-party desktop applications like Microsoft Excel from the Google Drive web interface. Opening files directly in Google Sheets within the browser continues to work normally.
