How to Access Local Mac Files from the Office 365 Open Dialog
Question details
Restore the On My Mac location so local files appear in the Office 365 Open dialog on macOS.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 365 for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- A user is trying to open a local document from an Office 365 app on Mac, but the Open dialog only shows online storage locations.
- Observed behavior
- The On My Mac location is missing or disappears from the Office 365 Open dialog, preventing access to locally stored files.
Before you start, confirm which Office 365 application is affected and note your current Office for Mac build under Help > Check for Updates. This helps you choose between an Office update and a macOS privacy permission change.
Update Office for Mac to the latest build
Use this first when On My Mac disappears after an Office update or is missing from the Open dialog, because newer builds restore the local location.
The missing On My Mac location in Office 365 for Mac is often caused by an Office build issue. Updating to version 16.37 or later, including through the Insider Slow channel when needed, has restored the location in reported cases.
Open the affected Office 365 app, such as Word, and click Help in the menu bar. Select Check for Updates.
In Microsoft AutoUpdate, click Check for Updates. If an update to version 16.37 or later is available, click Update and restart the app.
Open the File > Open dialog again and verify that On My Mac appears under Locations.
Allow Office apps to access files and folders in macOS privacy settings
Use this when macOS privacy permissions are blocking Office from listing local files in the Open dialog.
Check the Save As dialog and test a new macOS user profile
Use this if the Open dialog still hides local files after updating and granting permissions.
Tired of Office 365 Open dialog issues on Mac? Try WPS Office
WPS Office is a free, lightweight Office suite for macOS that opens Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files without the Office 365 local file dialog limitation. It provides a familiar ribbon UI, full Microsoft Office format compatibility, and seamless migration from Microsoft Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Office 365 Open dialog only show online locations on Mac?
It usually means the On My Mac location is hidden by an Office for Mac build issue or a macOS privacy restriction. Check System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Files and Folders and update Office for Mac to the latest build.
How do I update Microsoft Office for Mac?
Open any Office application such as Word, click Help > Check for Updates, and then use Microsoft AutoUpdate to install the latest available build.
How do I allow Word for Mac to access local files?
Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Files and Folders, find Microsoft Word or the affected Office app, and enable the checkbox.
Will WPS Office show local Mac files in its Open dialog?
Yes, WPS Office uses a standard file browser on macOS and can open local and cloud documents in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.
What should I do if On My Mac is still missing after updating and granting permissions?
Check whether On My Mac appears under File > Save As, and test the Office app in a new macOS user profile to isolate a profile-specific issue.
