Office Settings & Configuration

Fix Microsoft 365 Insert Icons Opening Local Folder Instead of Pane

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to access the online icon selection pane in Microsoft 365 applications, as selecting 'Insert > Icons' incorrectly opens a local file browser.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to insert online icons into a document or presentation using the built-in Insert Icons feature.
Observed behavior: Instead of opening the online icon selection pane, the application defaults to opening a local folder window. Standard troubleshooting like updating, reinstalling, and restarting did not resolve the issue initially.

Before you start

Ensure your computer has an active internet connection, as Microsoft 365 requires network access to load the online icon selection pane.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable Connected Experiences in Privacy Settings

The online icon pane relies on Microsoft's cloud services. Enabling connected experiences allows Office to fetch these icons from the internet.

Microsoft 365 requires specific privacy permissions to access online content. If 'Connected experiences' are disabled, features like online icons, 3D models, and stock images will fail to load and default to local file browsing.

Open Office Options

Launch Word or PowerPoint, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and then select 'Options' at the bottom of the left-hand menu.

Access Privacy Settings

In the Options dialog box, go to the 'General' tab and click on the 'Privacy Settings' button.

Enable Connected Experiences

Scroll down to the 'Connected experiences' section and check the box to enable optional connected experiences.

Restart the Application

Click 'OK' to save the settings, then completely close and restart your Microsoft 365 application for the changes to take effect.

Settings Applied: Once restarted, clicking Insert > Icons should successfully connect to the internet and open the online icon pane.

Solution 2

Start Application in Safe Mode to Check Add-ins

If privacy settings do not resolve the issue, a third-party add-in might be interfering with the insert function.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Document Experience

If you are tired of troubleshooting Microsoft 365 connected experiences and add-in conflicts, WPS Office provides a lightweight, free alternative. Enjoy built-in rich icon libraries, full compatibility with Microsoft formats, and a familiar interface without complex privacy toggles.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free software suite.
2. Open a Document: Launch WPS Writer or Presentation and open a new or existing document.
3. Insert Icons: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the ribbon and click 'Icon Library' to instantly browse and add icons to your work without needing extra privacy configurations.

Free to use with a vast, easily accessible library of high-quality vector icons and shapes.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), PowerPoint (.pptx), and Excel (.xlsx) formats.Lightweight design ensures fast launch times without frustrating add-in bloat.Familiar user interface requires no learning curve for seamless migration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Microsoft 365 features require 'Connected Experiences' to be enabled?

Features like online icons, 3D models, and stock images are hosted on Microsoft's cloud servers. Enabling Connected Experiences permits the application to communicate securely with these servers to download the required assets directly into your document.

How do I permanently disable a problematic add-in in Microsoft Word or PowerPoint?

Go to File > Options > Add-ins. In the 'Manage' drop-down menu at the bottom, select 'COM Add-ins' and click 'Go'. Uncheck the box next to the add-in causing the issue and click 'OK'.

Can I use downloaded Microsoft 365 icons offline?

Yes. Once an online icon is inserted into your document, it is embedded as a scalable vector graphic (SVG). You can then edit, resize, and save the document offline without needing an active internet connection.

What should I do if Safe Mode doesn't fix the Insert Icons issue?

If Safe Mode and privacy settings do not resolve the problem, you may need to perform an Online Repair of Microsoft Office through the Windows Control Panel, or check if your firewall or antivirus software is blocking Office from accessing the internet.

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