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How to Open a SharePoint Excel File in the Desktop App
Question details
The user needs to transition an open Excel workbook from Excel for the web via SharePoint directly to the local Excel desktop application.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Editing a workbook in a web browser and wanting to switch to the desktop application for a more robust editing experience.
- Observed behavior
- The user wants a seamless way to transfer the file session from the web to the local application without closing the file or losing synchronization with SharePoint.
Ensure that the Microsoft Excel desktop application is fully installed on your device and that you are signed in with the same account you use to access SharePoint.
Use the Open in Desktop Feature in Excel for the Web
This is the standard and most direct method to transition your workflow from the web browser to the desktop application while maintaining a live connection to SharePoint.
By using the built-in transition feature, your file remains connected to its original SharePoint location. Any changes you make in the desktop app will automatically sync back to the cloud.
Navigate to SharePoint and open your target workbook in Excel for the web.
Look for the 'Editing' drop-down menu located on the ribbon at the top of the browser window and click on it.
Select 'Open in Desktop' from the drop-down list. Excel will automatically launch on your computer and load the active SharePoint file.
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- 1. Download and install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and follow the easy installation prompts.
- 2. Open your spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and click 'Open' to browse for your locally synced .xlsx files.
- 3. Edit and save: Use the robust set of formulas and formatting tools to edit your document, then save it directly in its original format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'Open in Desktop App' button missing in SharePoint?
This usually happens if you do not have a compatible desktop version of Excel installed on your device. It can also occur if your organization's IT administrator has disabled the feature, or if there is a browser compatibility issue.
Will my edits in the desktop app automatically save back to SharePoint?
Yes, as long as the AutoSave toggle is turned on in the upper-left corner of your desktop Excel application, your edits will sync continuously to the original SharePoint location.
Can multiple people edit the file while it is open in the desktop app?
Yes, Microsoft 365 supports real-time co-authoring. You and your colleagues can edit the file simultaneously, and you will see each other's changes whether they are using Excel for the web or the desktop app.
