How to Open .whiteboard Files in the Microsoft Whiteboard Desktop App
Question details
The user needs to open .whiteboard files in the local Microsoft Whiteboard desktop application, but double-clicking the file defaults to launching it in a web browser.
- Product
- Microsoft Whiteboard
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to open a saved whiteboard file from OneDrive or local storage by double-clicking it.
- Observed behavior
- Double-clicking the file launches Microsoft Whiteboard in a web browser rather than directly opening it in the local MicrosoftWhiteboard.exe application.
Ensure you are logged into the Microsoft Whiteboard desktop app with the same Microsoft 365 or OneDrive for Business account where your whiteboard files are stored.
Use the Built-in Board Picker in the Desktop App
Since the desktop application cannot open .whiteboard files directly via double-clicking, you must access them through the app's native interface.
By default, .whiteboard files are automatically created and stored in your OneDrive for Business. Microsoft has not currently configured the desktop application (MicrosoftWhiteboard.exe) to intercept double-click actions for these files, which is why they default to the web browser version.
To bypass the browser, you must open the desktop app first and use its internal board picker.
Open the Microsoft Whiteboard desktop application from your Windows Start menu or taskbar.
On the Whiteboard home screen, look to the upper-left corner and click on the **My whiteboards** button.
You will see a gallery of your existing boards synced from OneDrive. Click on the specific whiteboard you want to view or edit to open it in the desktop app.
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- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Free Download' button.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does double-clicking a .whiteboard file open the web browser?
Microsoft currently configures .whiteboard files to default to the web version when launched from File Explorer or OneDrive. The local MicrosoftWhiteboard.exe application does not natively support direct launching via double-click.
Where are Microsoft Whiteboard files stored?
By default, when using a work or school account, newly created Microsoft Whiteboard files are automatically stored in the creator's OneDrive for Business folder.
Is there a way to force .whiteboard files to open in the desktop app?
There is currently no official Windows file association fix to force double-clicking to open the local app. You must always open the desktop app first and use the 'My whiteboards' section to access your files.
