How to Fix SharePoint File Links Not Working in Chrome or Edge
Question details
The user is unable to open local or network file:// links from SharePoint Online when using modern browsers like Chrome or Microsoft Edge, although the links function properly in Internet Explorer.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Accessing local or network files via links embedded in a SharePoint Online site.
- Observed behavior
- Clicking file:// links does nothing or shows an error in Chrome and Edge due to modern browser security policies blocking local file access from web pages.
Before troubleshooting, verify if the linked file is stored on your local drive or a shared network folder, and ensure you have permission to upload it directly to a web server or SharePoint document library.
Upload Local Files to SharePoint and Use HTTPS Links
The most reliable method is to host the file in SharePoint Online directly rather than relying on local file paths.
Modern browsers enforce strict security protocols that prevent web pages (like SharePoint Online) from accessing local or network resources via file:// protocols. Hosting the file online resolves this security block.
Navigate to your SharePoint Document Library and click the 'Upload' button to select and upload your local file.
Once the file is uploaded, click the 'Share' or 'Copy link' icon next to the file name in SharePoint.
Replace the old file:// URL in your SharePoint page or list with the newly generated https:// link.
Enable Local File Access via Browser Extensions
If you must keep files on a local or network drive, you can use specialized browser extensions to bypass modern security restrictions.
Easily Share Documents Using WPS Office Cloud
If managing local network links and SharePoint permissions feels overly complex, WPS Office offers an intuitive, cloud-based alternative. You can seamlessly create, edit, and share documents with secure cloud links that work effortlessly across all modern browsers.
- 1. Download and install WPS Office: Get the free suite from the official WPS website and launch the application.
- 2. Save to WPS Cloud: Open your document and click 'Save As' to store it securely in your WPS Cloud space.
- 3. Generate a Share Link: Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner to instantly create a browser-friendly HTTPS link that avoids local file blocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did file links work in Internet Explorer but not modern browsers?
Internet Explorer was built with integrated Windows security zones that treated local and network file paths (file://) as trusted under certain conditions. Modern browsers like Chrome and Edge prioritize sandbox security and strictly block web pages from accessing local machine directories to prevent malicious scripts from reading personal data.
How can I link to a shared network drive in SharePoint Online?
Since modern browsers block direct file:// references, the best practice is to migrate the contents of the network drive into a SharePoint Document Library. Once migrated, you can use standard https:// URLs to link to those resources securely.
Can I use Group Policy to force Microsoft Edge to open local file links?
Yes, in enterprise environments, IT administrators can configure the 'IntranetFileLinksEnabled' policy in Microsoft Edge. This policy allows specified trusted intranet domains (like your SharePoint URL) to successfully open local file links.
Are there any protocols supported besides HTTP and HTTPS in SharePoint Online?
SharePoint Online predominantly supports http:// and https:// protocols for external and internal hyperlinks. Custom protocols like mailto: for email addresses are also supported, but local filesystem protocols like file:// or C:/ paths are inherently blocked by modern web standards.
