File Cannot Open

Fix Microsoft 365 Cannot Open Local or Google Drive Files on Chromebook

Adam Davis Oct 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The Microsoft 365 browser extension on Chromebooks gets stuck when trying to open or upload local files and Google Drive documents.

Fix Microsoft 365 Cannot Open Local or Google Drive Files on Chromebook

Product: Microsoft 365 Extension
Device & OS: Chrome OS (Chromebook)
Scenario: Attempting to open local hard drive files or Google Drive documents using the Microsoft 365 browser extension on a Chromebook.
Observed behavior: The extension gets stuck on a 'We are currently uploading your document' screen. It also restricts saving files directly back to Google Drive, offering only local downloads or saving to OneDrive instead.

Before you start

Ensure your Chromebook's operating system and the Chrome browser are updated to the latest versions before troubleshooting extension compatibility.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Microsoft 365 Web App Directly

Bypassing the browser extension and manually uploading via the web app provides a more stable experience for non-OneDrive files.

The Microsoft 365 browser extension frequently struggles to bridge local Chrome OS storage to Microsoft's cloud environment. Using the native file picker on Microsoft365.com bypasses the extension's buggy upload loop.

Open the web app

Navigate to Microsoft365.com or Office.com in your Google Chrome browser and sign in with your Microsoft account.

Upload your document manually

Click the 'Upload' or 'Open' option on the web dashboard to manually select your local Chromebook file or Google Drive document.

Download to save changes

Since direct saving to Google Drive is restricted, save your edited document by downloading a copy to your local hard drive, then manually move it to your Google Drive folder.

Solution 2

Update Extension and Verify File Access Permissions

Updating the extension and granting it local file URL permissions can resolve access blocking on Chrome OS.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Local and Google Drive Files Directly with WPS Office

Avoid upload loops and extension limitations. WPS Office provides a fully featured, lightweight app for Chromebooks that opens, edits, and saves your local and Google Drive documents directly, without forcing you through complicated upload steps.

1. Download for Chrome OS: Install WPS Office from the Google Play Store directly onto your Chromebook.
2. Open local files: Launch the application and select any local document to edit instantly without uploading.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Opens and saves local Chromebook files natively without uploading them to OneDrive first.Seamless and direct integration with Google Drive.Lightweight, free to use, and features a familiar user interface for easy transition.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft 365 get stuck on 'We are currently uploading your document'?

This happens due to bugs and limitations in the Microsoft 365 browser extension when trying to access local Chrome OS storage or bridge third-party cloud services like Google Drive to the Microsoft ecosystem.

Can I save a document directly back to Google Drive from Microsoft 365?

The Microsoft 365 extension typically restricts saving directly back to Google Drive. You usually have to save the file to OneDrive or download it to your Chromebook's local 'Downloads' folder, then manually move it to Google Drive.

Is this upload error specific to Chromebooks?

While it is highly prevalent on Chromebooks due to the way Chrome OS integrates local and cloud storage, some Windows PC users also report identical upload loops when using the browser extension to open local files.

Document & File Issues