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How to Open Unknown File Types in SharePoint Desktop Apps
Question details
The user wants to configure SharePoint Online to open unknown or proprietary file extensions directly in a local desktop application by default.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to access non-standard or proprietary files stored in a SharePoint document library and wanting them to open in a local application rather than the browser.
- Observed behavior
- SharePoint Online does not support assigning only unknown or proprietary file extensions to open in a desktop application by default, either attempting to open them online or requiring manual downloads.
Ensure you have Site Owner or Designer permissions in the SharePoint document library to modify advanced library settings. Additionally, verify that the required desktop application for your proprietary file is installed on your computer.
Configure the Document Library to Open in the Client Application
Change the document library's advanced settings to open all supported documents in the client application by default as a workaround.
SharePoint Online does not currently allow you to isolate and assign only unknown or proprietary file types to desktop applications. By changing the library settings, you force all supported files (including Word, Excel, and proprietary formats) to attempt opening in their respective local client applications rather than the web viewer.
Open your SharePoint Online site and navigate to the specific document library containing your unknown file types.
Click on the Settings gear icon in the top right corner of the SharePoint interface, and select 'Library settings'. If prompted, click on 'More library settings'.
Under the 'General Settings' column, click on 'Advanced settings'.
Scroll down to the 'Opening Document in the Browser' section and select the 'Open in the client application' radio button.
Scroll to the very bottom of the page and click 'OK' to apply your new settings.
Manage Your Downloaded Documents with WPS Office
If SharePoint limitations require you to handle documents locally on your desktop, WPS Office provides a seamless, robust desktop client experience. It is a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative to Microsoft Office that easily handles documents, spreadsheets, and presentations managed in cloud environments.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your local computer.
- 2. Set as Default Application: Set WPS Office as your default application for Office documents in your operating system settings.
- 3. Open SharePoint Files: Sync or download files from your SharePoint document library and open them directly in the WPS Office desktop client.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do unknown file types download instead of opening directly from SharePoint?
Web browsers cannot natively render proprietary or unknown file types. Without a designated web-based viewer integration, SharePoint automatically prompts you to download the file so you can open it with the appropriate local desktop application installed on your device.
Can I configure SharePoint to open only specific file extensions in a desktop app?
No, SharePoint Online currently does not support assigning default desktop applications based strictly on custom or unknown file extensions. The 'Open in client application' setting applies broadly to all supported documents stored within that specific library.
How do I revert the library settings to open files in the browser again?
To revert the change, go to Library settings > Advanced settings, locate the 'Opening Document in the Browser' section, change the selection back to 'Open in the browser' or 'Use the server default', and click OK to save your changes.
