Fix SharePoint InfoPath XML Link Opens in Excel Instead of Browser
Question details
A specific user is experiencing an issue where clicking an InfoPath form link ending in .xml from SharePoint automatically opens the file in Excel, whereas it opens correctly in a web browser for other users.
- Product
- SharePoint, Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Clicking a shared SharePoint InfoPath link that ends with a .xml file extension.
- Observed behavior
- The .xml file is downloaded and launched in Microsoft Excel instead of rendering the form directly inside the user's web browser.
Verify if this issue occurs in multiple web browsers (like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox) to determine if the problem is specific to one browser's settings or a system-wide file association issue.
Correct Windows Default File Associations for XML
Change the default application settings in Windows so that XML files are handled by the correct application or browser instead of Excel.
Windows relies on default app settings to determine how to open specific file extensions. If Excel was accidentally set as the default app for .xml files, clicking InfoPath links will trigger Excel.
Resetting this to your web browser or the Microsoft Office XML Handler will restore the correct behavior.
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings, then click on 'Apps'.
Select 'Default apps' from the left sidebar, scroll down, and click on 'Choose default apps by file type'.
Scroll through the alphabetical list until you find the '.xml' extension.
Click on Microsoft Excel (or the currently listed app) and change it to your preferred web browser (e.g., Microsoft Edge) or select 'Microsoft Office XML Handler' if available.
Reset Browser-Specific File Handling and Clear Cache
Clear browser cache and test in a private window to eliminate interference from saved settings or browser extensions.
Open the File Directly from the SharePoint Library
Bypass local computer link-handling behavior by using the native SharePoint web interface.
Handle Office Files Seamlessly with WPS Office
If you frequently struggle with Microsoft Office file association errors, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight suite that offers robust handling of spreadsheets, documents, and presentations without the complex configuration issues of Microsoft 365.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website, download the free installer, and follow the on-screen instructions.
- 2. Open the Application: Launch WPS Office to access the all-in-one workspace for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- 3. Set Default Programs: Go to Global Settings within WPS to set it as your default application for opening spreadsheets and documents seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do XML files automatically open in Excel by default?
When Microsoft Office is installed, Windows often associates the generic .xml file extension with Excel. If a browser does not natively intercept the link, the operating system defaults to downloading the file and opening it in the associated desktop app.
How can a SharePoint Administrator force forms to open in the browser?
Site administrators can enforce this by navigating to the SharePoint Library Settings, clicking on 'Advanced Settings', and changing the 'Opening Documents in the Browser' option to 'Open in the browser'.
What is the Microsoft Office XML Handler?
The Microsoft Office XML Handler is a background utility installed with Office. Its job is to read the schema of an XML file and automatically route it to the correct Office application (such as InfoPath, Word, or Excel) based on the file's internal structure.
Is Microsoft InfoPath still supported?
Microsoft has deprecated InfoPath, and InfoPath Forms Services are being phased out in modern SharePoint environments. Users are encouraged to migrate their legacy InfoPath XML forms to Microsoft Power Apps for continued support.
