Fix OneDrive or SharePoint Anyone Links Not Opening in Office Desktop App
Question details
External users are unable to open shared OneDrive or SharePoint files in the local Office desktop application when using an Anyone link.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive and SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- An external user attempts to open a shared file via an Anyone link and click the Open in Desktop App button.
- Observed behavior
- The file opens successfully in the web browser, but the option to open it in the desktop app is either unavailable or fails to launch the application.
Ensure that the external user has a compatible, fully activated version of the Microsoft Office desktop application installed on their computer before troubleshooting sharing link issues.
Submit a Support Request via Microsoft 365 Admin Center
The most reliable way to resolve persistent tenant configuration issues that prevent desktop app access for external users.
Because this behavior is often tied to hidden tenant settings or service-side restrictions, Microsoft engineers need to investigate your specific configuration to restore full functionality.
Reach out to your organization's Microsoft 365 Administrator, as they hold the permissions required to open a support ticket.
Have the administrator log in to the Microsoft 365 admin center using their global admin credentials.
Navigate to the Support tab on the left sidebar and click on New service request.
Describe the issue specifically, noting that 'Anyone' links open in the browser but fail to trigger the 'Open in Desktop App' function for external users.
Add the External User as a Guest to the Tenant
A potential workaround that involves adding the external user directly to your organization's directory to bypass certain anonymous link restrictions.
Use WPS Office for Seamless File Sharing and Editing
If Microsoft 365's tenant restrictions and complex link sharing configurations are interrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, hassle-free way to collaborate and edit local files without restrictive admin policies.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process in minutes.
- 3. Open Your Files: Download your shared document from the browser and open it directly in WPS Office to begin editing seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the shared OneDrive file open in the browser but not in the desktop app?
This is typically caused by Microsoft 365 tenant sharing policies, conditional access rules, or service-side configurations that restrict external users from opening anonymous 'Anyone' links in local desktop environments.
Does adding external users as guests always fix the desktop app issue?
No. While adding users as guests can bypass restrictions in certain network environments, testing shows it does not resolve all underlying configuration problems. A Microsoft support ticket is often required.
Are there alternative ways to edit the file locally if the link feature fails?
Yes. As a temporary workaround, the external user can download a copy of the file directly from the web browser interface, edit it locally using their desktop application, and manually upload or email the updated version back to the owner.
