How to Open a SharePoint Word Document in Desktop Word on Mac
Question details
The user needs to open a SharePoint document directly in the desktop version of Word for Mac to utilize advanced review tools and macros, bypassing the default Word for the web interface.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac, SharePoint
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Accessing a shared SharePoint link that defaults to Word for the web, which restricts desktop-only features like custom ribbons and advanced tracking.
- Observed behavior
- The document opens in Word for the web, lacking desktop features, and may appear to hide or remove tracked changes when saved.
Ensure that Microsoft Word for Mac is installed on your computer and that you are signed in with the organizational account associated with your SharePoint access.
Use the Open in Desktop App Option
Launch the desktop application directly from the web interface to maintain real-time synchronization with SharePoint.
The easiest way to utilize desktop features while keeping the document synced to SharePoint is to trigger the handoff from Word for the web directly to your Mac's desktop application.
Click the document link provided to you, which will initially open the file in your browser using Word for the web.
Look at the top ribbon menu. Click the 'Viewing' or 'Editing' dropdown button and select 'Open in Desktop App'. Alternatively, there may be a direct 'Open in Desktop App' button on the main ribbon.
Your Mac browser will prompt you for permission. Click 'Always allow' or 'Open Microsoft Word' to launch the desktop software.
Request Edit or Guest Access
Fix permission blocks that prevent the desktop app from opening the shared file.
Download a Copy and Enable All Markup
Use this local workaround if desktop sync is blocked, ensuring you can still review tracked changes.
Edit Downloaded SharePoint Documents with WPS Office
If you are struggling with missing features or lost track changes in web-based processors, try downloading your documents and editing them offline with WPS Office. It provides a robust, desktop-class experience for Mac with excellent format retention and advanced review tools.
- 1. Download the Document: Save a copy of the SharePoint document directly to your Mac.
- 2. Open with WPS Office: Right-click the downloaded .docx file, select 'Open With', and choose WPS Office to enjoy a full desktop editing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word for the web appear to remove my tracked changes?
Word for the web doesn't actually delete tracked changes, but it may hide them depending on your current view settings. To see them clearly and manage them effectively, it is recommended to open the file in a desktop application and select the 'All Markup' view.
Can I force SharePoint to always open documents in the desktop app by default?
Yes, if you have sufficient site permissions. A site owner can go to the SharePoint Document Library Settings, click on 'Advanced Settings', and change the 'Opening Documents in the Browser' behavior to 'Open in the client application'.
What happens if I edit a downloaded copy instead of using 'Open in Desktop App'?
Editing a downloaded copy breaks the real-time synchronization with SharePoint. You will need to manually upload the new version back to the SharePoint folder, which can create version conflicts if other colleagues are editing the online file at the same time.
