Fix Office for Mac Recent and Pinned Files Not Opening
Question details
Users are unable to open recent or pinned Word and Excel files from the recent list after an update, receiving a file-not-found error.
- Product
- Microsoft Office for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to open previously pinned or recent files from the application's start screen or Recent menu.
- Observed behavior
- A file-not-found error message appears, despite the files existing and opening normally directly from Finder.
Ensure you have saved all active documents and completely quit all Microsoft Office applications before modifying preference or database files.
Delete and Recreate the Microsoft Registration Database
Corrupted recent and pinned file databases can cause this error. Resetting this file forces Office to rebuild the list.
The registration database file tracks the locations of your recent and pinned files. Deleting it will safely prompt Microsoft Office to generate a fresh, uncorrupted file upon its next startup.
Completely quit all open Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Open Finder, click 'Go' in the top menu bar, and select 'Go to Folder', or press Command + Shift + G on your keyboard.
Type the path `~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office` and press Return.
Locate the file named `MicrosoftRegistrationDB.reg` and move it to the Trash.
Relaunch Word or Excel. The application will recreate the database file and begin accurately tracking your recent files again.
Remove Secure Bookmarks Plist Files for Word and Excel
If the issue is isolated to a specific app like Word or Excel, removing their specific secure bookmarks preferences can resolve local file permission tracking issues.
Experience a Bug-Free Office Suite with WPS Office for Mac
If Microsoft Office on your Mac frequently encounters file database corruptions or errors after updates, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and seamless document editing experience without the heavy system overhead.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package for macOS.
- 2. Install the Application: Drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder to complete the installation.
- 3. Open Your Office Files: Double-click any existing .docx or .xlsx file to instantly open and edit them in WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my recent files show 'file not found' in Office for Mac?
This usually happens when the Office registration database or secure bookmarks preference file becomes corrupted, often after a software update. The application loses the correct path to the file, even if the file itself still exists on your Mac.
Will deleting MicrosoftRegistrationDB.reg delete my actual documents?
No. Deleting this file only resets the database that tracks your recent and pinned file history. Your actual documents, spreadsheets, and presentations remain completely safe in their original folders.
How can I open my files if the recent list is broken?
You can bypass the broken recent list by locating the file directly in Finder and double-clicking it, or by using the 'File' > 'Open' menu within Word or Excel to manually navigate to the file's location on your hard drive.
Does signing in and out of my Microsoft account fix this issue?
Signing in and out primarily affects files synced via OneDrive or SharePoint. If the issue involves local files on your Mac, resetting the local registration database or secure bookmarks preference files is the correct solution.
