Permission & Access Issues

How to Fix Access Denied Errors When Microsoft Office Opens WebDAV Files

John Wilson Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are unable to open files stored on a WebDAV-mounted server (such as a Synology NAS) using Microsoft Office 2016 after a recent software update, resulting in persistent server connection failures.

How to Fix Access Denied Errors When Microsoft Office Opens WebDAV Files

Product: Microsoft Office 2016
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to open, view, or edit documents directly from a mapped WebDAV network drive or NAS server.
Observed behavior: Office applications display an 'Access Denied' error or fail to contact the server entirely, even though the same files remain perfectly visible and accessible via Windows Explorer and alternative office suites.

Before you start

Ensure your network connection is stable and verify that you can successfully view the target files within Windows Explorer before proceeding with the troubleshooting steps.

Solution 1Recommended

Workaround: Edit a Local Copy of the File

Since the issue is specific to Microsoft Office's strict interaction with the WebDAV protocol, copying the file locally bypasses the server restriction.

This is the most reliable immediate workaround when Office security updates suddenly block direct network server access. By moving the file outside the network drive temporarily, Office processes it as a standard local document.

Locate the affected file

Open Windows Explorer and navigate to your WebDAV-mounted drive where the problematic document is stored.

Copy to a local drive

Right-click the document you wish to edit, select 'Copy', and then 'Paste' it onto your local Desktop or into your local Documents folder.

Edit and upload

Open the local file with your Office application, make your necessary changes, save it, and then drag it back into the WebDAV folder to overwrite the original file.

Workaround: Edit a Local Copy of the File

Verify Functionality: If the local file opens without any 'Access Denied' errors, you have confirmed that the file itself is not corrupted and the issue lies strictly with network compatibility.

Solution 2

Install the Latest Microsoft Office Updates

Microsoft occasionally releases hotfixes that address specific network compatibility bugs and authentication conflicts caused by previous updates.

Solution 3

Consult Your NAS or WebDAV Provider

Server-side configurations may need adjusting to comply with Microsoft Office's evolving network security requirements.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Access WebDAV Files Seamlessly with WPS Office

If Microsoft Office continues to block your WebDAV or NAS files due to restrictive security policies, switching to WPS Office provides a hassle-free solution. It natively accesses mapped network drives without triggering unnecessary access errors.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your PC.
2. Open network files directly: Launch WPS Office, click on 'Open', and navigate straight to your WebDAV-mounted drive.
3. Edit without restrictions: Open, edit, and save your documents natively back to the server without encountering 'Access Denied' prompts.

Bypass Office 2016 WebDAV access errors instantly without complex workaroundsFully compatible with all standard Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptxLightweight application that requires minimal system resources to run smoothlyFamiliar and intuitive interface ensuring a zero-learning-curve transition

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Windows Explorer open the WebDAV files but Office does not?

Microsoft Office employs its own strict security protocols and network stack when accessing files. This isolated handling can sometimes conflict with standard WebDAV authentications following recent Office security updates, whereas Windows Explorer relies on the base operating system's connection.

How can I verify if my NAS is actually causing the problem?

Try copying the affected file to your local computer's desktop. If the file opens locally without any 'Access Denied' error, the issue lies strictly in the protocol compatibility between Microsoft Office and the WebDAV server, not with the file itself.

Will reverting Office updates fix the WebDAV Access Denied error?

Rolling back to a previous version of Office may temporarily resolve the network issue. However, this is generally not recommended as a long-term solution because it leaves your system vulnerable to security threats that have been patched in newer updates.

Document & File Issues