How to Open OneDrive Links in File Explorer Instead of Browser from Excel
Question details
The user wants hyperlinks in an Excel workbook that point to OneDrive folders to open directly in the local File Explorer rather than launching a web browser.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Clicking a hyperlink within a synced Excel file to navigate to a shared OneDrive folder.
- Observed behavior
- The linked OneDrive folders automatically open in a web browser instead of opening the corresponding folders in the local File Explorer.
Ensure that your OneDrive application is actively running and fully synced on your local computer. Verify whether the hyperlinks inserted into your Excel file are formatted as local file paths (e.g., C:\Users\...) or web URLs (e.g., https://...).
Disable Office Sync in OneDrive Settings
Changing how OneDrive handles Microsoft Office file synchronization can force local path links to open in File Explorer rather than the browser.
By default, OneDrive uses Office applications to sync files to facilitate collaborative features. This routing can cause local folder links to intercept and open via the web. Disabling this feature resolves the hyperlink routing behavior, though it comes with a trade-off regarding MS Office cloud features.
Click on the blue or white OneDrive cloud icon located in your Windows system tray (taskbar).
Click the gear icon to open 'Help & Settings', then select 'Settings' from the context menu.
In the OneDrive settings window, click on the 'Office' tab at the top.
Uncheck the box next to 'Use Office applications to sync Office files that I open'.
Click 'OK' to save your changes. Restart your Excel application and click the hyperlinks to confirm they now open in File Explorer.
Temporarily Pause OneDrive Synchronization
Pausing the OneDrive sync client can temporarily bypass the web-routing behavior for local folder links in Excel.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless and Lightweight Spreadsheet Experience
If you are tired of complex synchronization settings and forced browser routing in Microsoft Office, WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative. WPS Spreadsheet handles local file paths reliably, ensuring your workflow remains smooth without unexpected browser pop-ups or sync conflicts.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office Free from the official website and follow the simple installation instructions.
- 2. Open Your Excel File: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing .xlsx workbook containing the folder hyperlinks.
- 3. Click Your Links: Click the local links in your spreadsheet; WPS will process local file paths directly using your operating system's default file explorer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Excel links open in a web browser instead of File Explorer?
This usually happens when the workbook is stored in OneDrive and synced using Microsoft Office's default sync settings. The application prioritizes cloud-based web URLs over local file paths to enable real-time collaboration features like AutoSave.
Can I force shared OneDrive web links to open locally?
Generally, no. If the hyperlink is formatted as a web URL (starting with https://) for a shared folder, it is designed by the system to open in a web browser. To open a folder locally, the link must be created using the exact local file path on your computer.
What happens if I disable Office applications from syncing Office files?
Disabling this setting in OneDrive forces files to rely strictly on the standard Windows OneDrive sync client instead of Office's built-in cloud sync. While this helps local links open in File Explorer, it will disable collaborative features like real-time AutoSave and automatic file merging in Excel.
Does this hyperlink issue happen with local, un-synced Excel files?
No. If your Excel file and the linked folders are stored strictly on a local hard drive and are not synced with OneDrive or SharePoint, the links will naturally open in the local File Explorer without attempting to route through a browser.
