File Cannot Open

How to Browse Folder Hierarchy to Open Microsoft 365 Files

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to manually navigate their traditional folder hierarchy to locate and open files, instead of using the default recent files or search results view provided by Microsoft 365.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Trying to open a specific file by browsing local directories (such as Documents or specific subfolders) when the application only shows recent documents.
Observed behavior: Microsoft 365 displays a dashboard of recent files and cloud search results, hiding the traditional local folder tree and causing confusion between web and desktop interfaces.

Before you start

Verify that you are using the installed desktop version of your Office application rather than the web browser version, as the online app limits traditional local folder browsing.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Standard File Open Dialog via Keyboard Shortcut

Quickly bypass the recent files screen and access the traditional Windows file explorer dialog directly from within your Office application.

Microsoft 365 desktop apps default to a 'Backstage' view showing recent files. You can easily skip this by using a standard keyboard shortcut.

Open your Office application

Launch the desktop version of Word, Excel, or PowerPoint on your computer.

Trigger the File Open dialog

Press the Ctrl + O keys simultaneously on your keyboard.

Browse your folders

A standard Windows File Open dialog will appear. Navigate through your folder tree (e.g., Documents/Articles) to locate and open your file.

Tip: You can permanently bypass the Backstage view by going to File > Options > Save, and checking 'Don't show the Backstage when opening or saving files with keyboard shortcuts'.

Solution 2

Navigate via Windows File Explorer

Locate and open your file directly through your computer's operating system before opening the Office application.

Solution 3

Browse from the Application Home Screen

Use the built-in navigation menus within the Microsoft 365 app to reach the browse function.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Traditional, Uncluttered File Management with WPS Office

If Microsoft 365's reliance on cloud storage and recent files disrupts your workflow, WPS Office offers a refreshing alternative. It provides a familiar, traditional interface that respects your local folder hierarchies while maintaining full compatibility with Microsoft formats.

1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office installer from the official website and run it on your PC.
2. Open WPS Office: Launch the application and click 'Open' on the straightforward left-hand sidebar.
3. Browse Local Folders: Click 'Computer' or 'Browse' to navigate your traditional folder hierarchy easily and open your documents.

Free, lightweight, and fast to launch on any desktopIntuitive traditional interface for straightforward local folder browsingFully compatible with Microsoft Office formats like .docx, .xlsx, and .pptxSeamless offline desktop experience without confusing web redirects

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft 365 show recent files instead of my folders?

Microsoft 365 defaults to the 'Backstage' view, which emphasizes recent files and cloud connectivity (OneDrive) to help users quickly resume work on active projects. It hides the traditional local folder tree by default to streamline cloud-based workflows.

How can I tell if I am using the web or desktop version of Microsoft 365?

The web version runs inside a browser like Chrome or Edge and has a web address bar at the top. The desktop version runs as a standalone application window on your PC and does not require an active internet connection to view locally saved files.

Can I make Microsoft 365 open straight to my local folders?

Yes. In your desktop Office application, click File > Options > Save. Check the box that says 'Save to Computer by default' and also check 'Don't show the Backstage when opening or saving files with keyboard shortcuts'. This makes local folder browsing much faster.

Document & File Issues