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Fix SharePoint Redirecting to Library After Closing a File
Question details
Users are automatically redirected to the document library's 'All Items' view instead of returning to the original referring page after closing a file opened via a SharePoint link.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening a document from a link embedded on a SharePoint page and subsequently closing it.
- Observed behavior
- The system navigates back to the file's host library rather than the SharePoint page where the user originally clicked the link.
Verify that you have Microsoft 365 administrator privileges, as submitting a formal feedback or service request to Microsoft requires Admin Center access.
Report the Navigation Behavior to Microsoft Support
Since this is a known routing behavior in SharePoint, the official solution is to submit a service request so the development team can address the user feedback.
SharePoint currently routes users back to the file's originating library by default when a web-based document is closed. To push for a permanent fix, administrators should log a ticket with Microsoft.
Sign in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center using your global or billing administrator credentials.
On the left-hand navigation pane, click on 'Support' and then select 'New service request'.
Provide a detailed description of the navigation bug. Include the affected site URL, the browser being used, the exact steps to reproduce, and note that the expected behavior is to return to the original page.
Submit the ticket so the Microsoft Support team can properly route your feedback to the SharePoint development channels.
Use the 'Open in New Tab' Workaround
To prevent losing your place on the original SharePoint page, force the document link to open in a separate browser tab.
Looking for a smoother document management experience?
If you frequently encounter navigation frustrations or bugs in SharePoint and Microsoft 365, consider WPS Office. It is a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for managing, editing, and collaborating on your daily documents without the browser-based routing issues.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation package.
- 2. Install the software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup on your device.
- 3. Open your documents seamlessly: Launch WPS Office to open, edit, and save your files locally or in the cloud without unexpected browser redirects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does SharePoint redirect to the library view instead of my page?
This occurs due to SharePoint's default document routing behavior. When a file hosted in a document library is closed from the web viewer, the system falls back to the file's host location (the library) rather than tracking the referring page you came from.
Can site editors change a SharePoint link to automatically open in a new tab?
Yes, site editors can modify link properties on a SharePoint page. For certain web parts like Quick Links, there is an option in the link settings to toggle 'Open in new tab,' which completely prevents this redirect issue for visitors.
Will this redirect issue happen if I open the file in the desktop app?
No. If you configure the document library to 'Open in the client application' by default, opening the file will launch your desktop software (like Word or Excel). Closing the desktop app will not redirect your browser window, leaving your original SharePoint page intact.
