Fix SharePoint Files Not Opening in Mac Office Apps
Question details
The user is unable to open SharePoint documents in Microsoft Office desktop applications on a Mac, even though the files open successfully in the web browser.
- Product
- Microsoft Office for Mac, SharePoint
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to open cloud files stored on SharePoint directly into Mac Office desktop applications for editing.
- Observed behavior
- Files open normally in the online browser viewer but fail to launch or sync in the Word, Excel, or PowerPoint desktop applications.
Ensure that your Mac has a stable internet connection and that you know the exact Microsoft account credentials used for your SharePoint access.
Verify and Match Signed-in Accounts
Account mismatches are a common reason SharePoint files fail to open in desktop apps. Ensure your Office app account matches your SharePoint account.
This issue frequently occurs when the account signed into the Office desktop application differs from the account authorized for SharePoint Online.
Open Excel, Word, or PowerPoint on your Mac. Click on your profile picture or account name to verify the signed-in account.
If the account does not match your SharePoint login, sign out and sign back in using the correct SharePoint credentials.
Navigate to your file in SharePoint via your web browser, open the document online, and select the 'Open in Desktop App' option from the top ribbon.
Clear Microsoft Office Credentials in Keychain Access
If account matching does not resolve the issue, corrupted Office credentials in your Mac's Keychain may be blocking authentication. Clearing them forces a clean sign-in.
Edit Your Cloud Documents Easily with WPS Office for Mac
If Microsoft Office applications frequently run into credential and syncing issues on your Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible suite for all your document needs without complex credential conflicts.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Open your files: Launch WPS Office and easily open or edit your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do SharePoint files only open in the browser on my Mac?
This typically happens due to credential conflicts. It occurs when the account logged into the Office desktop app doesn't match the SharePoint account, or when corrupted identity caches in your Mac's Keychain prevent the desktop app from authenticating.
What is the ADAL entry in Mac Keychain Access?
ADAL stands for Active Directory Authentication Library. These Keychain entries store your Microsoft sign-in credentials. Deleting them forces Office to prompt for a fresh login, which often resolves hidden authentication errors.
Can I force a SharePoint file to open in the desktop app by default?
Yes. When viewing a document in the SharePoint online viewer, you can click the 'Editing' dropdown or look at the top menu bar and select 'Open in Desktop App' to launch it directly in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
