OneDrive File Issues

How to Open OneDrive Excel Files in the Mac App Instead of Chrome

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to open Excel files stored in OneDrive directly in the installed Mac desktop application rather than defaulting to the Google Chrome web browser.

Product: Microsoft Excel for Mac / OneDrive
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Accessing and opening Excel spreadsheets from a OneDrive account on macOS.
Observed behavior: Excel files selected in OneDrive automatically open in a browser (like Chrome) instead of the installed Mac desktop application due to OneDrive settings or file associations.

Before you start

Ensure that the Microsoft Excel desktop application is properly installed on your Mac and that you are signed into your Microsoft account.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the 'Open With' Context Menu in OneDrive

The quickest way to bypass the browser default is to manually select the desktop application using the right-click context menu.

OneDrive often defaults to opening Office files in Office for the Web (via your default browser, such as Chrome) for quick viewing. You can override this behavior on a per-file basis.

Locate the Excel File

Navigate to your OneDrive folder or the OneDrive web interface and locate the Excel file you wish to open.

Open the Context Menu

Right-click on the targeted Excel file to trigger the dropdown context menu.

Select 'Open With'

Hover over the 'Open With' option in the menu, and then explicitly choose 'Microsoft Excel' from the list of available applications.

Persistent Issues: If the issue continues or Microsoft Excel is not listed, you may need to check your Mac's default file association settings or reinstall the Excel application.

Solution 2

Change Default File Associations on macOS

Set Microsoft Excel as the default application for all .xlsx files on your Mac to prevent them from opening in web browsers.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Management on Mac

If you are tired of browser redirects and complicated OneDrive file associations, WPS Office offers a reliable, lightweight, and free desktop alternative for Mac users. It seamlessly opens spreadsheet files locally without forcing you into a web browser.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of WPS Office.
2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the app on your Mac.
3. Open Your Spreadsheets Directly: Launch WPS Office and open your local or cloud-synced Excel files directly from the intuitive desktop dashboard.

100% compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv).Lightweight desktop application that launches quickly on macOS.Built-in cloud integration allows you to manage files directly within the app without browser redirects.Free to use with a familiar, tabbed interface that boosts productivity.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my OneDrive Excel files automatically open in Google Chrome?

By default, OneDrive web often opens Office documents using Office for the Web in your default browser (like Chrome) for faster previewing. This is a built-in cloud setting rather than an error.

Can I force OneDrive web to always open files in the Mac desktop app?

Yes. If you have an Office 365 subscription, you can usually go to the OneDrive web settings (gear icon) > Settings > Sync and save, and change your preference for opening Office files from the browser to the desktop app.

What should I do if 'Microsoft Excel' is missing from the 'Open With' menu?

If Microsoft Excel doesn't appear, select 'Other...' at the bottom of the 'Open With' list, navigate to your Applications folder, and manually select Microsoft Excel. If it is not in your Applications folder, you will need to download and install it first.

Document & File Issues