File Sharing Problems

How to Fix Edit in App Missing for Shared OneDrive Files

Emma Brown Oct 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

An external consultant with edit permissions can edit a shared document in the web browser but cannot see or use the option to open the file in the local desktop application.

How to Fix Edit in App Missing for Shared OneDrive Files

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Collaborating on shared OneDrive documents with external users who need to utilize full desktop application features.
Observed behavior: The Edit in App or Open in Desktop App button is entirely missing from the ribbon in the web browser for the external user.

Before you start

Ensure that the external consultant actually has the desktop Office applications installed on their computer and that they are signed into those applications with their active Microsoft account.

Solution 1Recommended

Use an InPrivate Window or Different Browser

Clearing session conflicts often restores missing interface options caused by multiple cached Microsoft accounts.

Often, browser cache or active sessions from personal Microsoft accounts conflict with business credentials, hiding enterprise features like desktop editing.

Open a private browsing window

Launch your web browser and open a private session (e.g., InPrivate window in Microsoft Edge or Incognito mode in Google Chrome).

Access the shared link

Paste the shared OneDrive link into the address bar of the private window and press Enter.

Sign in with correct credentials

When prompted, sign in using the specific Microsoft 365 work or school account that the file was shared with.

Select Edit in App

Look at the top ribbon in the web editor and click the 'Editing' dropdown or look for the 'Open in Desktop App' button.

Use an InPrivate Window or Different Browser

Session Cleared: If the button appears in a private window, the user should clear their primary browser's cache and cookies to permanently resolve the conflict.

Solution 2

Verify the Account Type and License

Ensure the external user has the correct account type and licensing to utilize desktop applications.

Solution 3

Test with a New File in a Different Location

Determine if the missing button is a global account issue or isolated to a specific file or folder permissions.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Local and Shared Files Seamlessly with WPS Office

Struggling with complicated account permissions and missing features in cloud-based editors? Try WPS Office. It provides a robust, lightweight desktop alternative that lets you edit documents locally without dealing with frustrating browser-to-app launch issues.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Open Your Document Locally: Download the shared file directly to your computer from the cloud storage interface.
3. Edit and Save: Right-click the downloaded file, select 'Open with' > 'WPS Office', make your edits with full desktop features, and save.

Free and lightweight desktop application for seamless local editingFully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Avoids complex browser session conflicts and enterprise license limitsFamiliar user interface that requires no learning curve

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Edit in App option disappear for external users?

This usually occurs due to conflicting account sessions in the user's web browser, attempting to use a personal Microsoft account instead of a business account, or the user's Microsoft 365 subscription lacking desktop application licenses.

Can external users open OneDrive files in the desktop app without a subscription?

Generally, no. To use the 'Edit in App' or 'Open in Desktop App' feature natively with Microsoft Office, the external user needs an active Microsoft 365 subscription that includes the desktop client applications.

How can I force a shared link to open in the desktop app by default?

Site administrators can change the document library settings in SharePoint or OneDrive by going to 'Library settings' > 'Advanced settings' and changing the 'Opening Documents in the Browser' option to 'Open in the client application'.

What should I do if the issue only happens with one specific shared file?

If only one file is affected, the sharing link or file permissions may be corrupted. You can easily fix this by creating a new document, copying the contents from the old file into it, and generating a brand new sharing link.

Document & File Issues