'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Stop Excel Workbooks from Opening in Microsoft Edge
Question details
Users need to configure their system and Office settings so that clicking a hyperlink to a spreadsheet opens the native desktop application instead of a web browser.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Clicking a hyperlink pointing to an Excel workbook, particularly when the file is stored in OneDrive or formatted as an Internet Shortcut.
- Observed behavior
- The Excel spreadsheet launches in Microsoft Edge as a web application rather than opening directly in the Excel desktop app.
Ensure your Microsoft Office desktop application is fully updated and verify whether the problematic hyperlink points to a local computer directory or a web-based OneDrive URL.
Enable Link Handling in Excel Options
Configure Microsoft Excel to intercept supported web links and open them natively in the desktop application.
By default, links to files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint are treated as standard web URLs, prompting Windows to open them in Edge. You can override this behavior directly within your Excel settings.
Launch the Microsoft Excel desktop application. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.
In the Excel Options dialog box, select 'Advanced' from the left-hand navigation pane.
Scroll down to the 'Link Handling' section. Check the box that says 'Open supported hyperlinks to Office files in Office desktop apps'.
Click 'OK' to save your changes, then restart Excel for the new link routing behavior to take effect.
Set Excel as the Default App for Spreadsheets
Ensure Windows is strictly configured to open .xlsx and related file types using the Excel desktop app.
Replace Internet Shortcuts with Local File Paths
Fix shortcuts that have been incorrectly formatted as web links rather than local file pointers.
Experience Hassle-Free Spreadsheet Management with WPS Office
Avoid frustrating browser redirects and complex default app conflicts. WPS Office is a highly compatible, standalone alternative to Microsoft Office that opens your spreadsheets natively on your desktop without forcing you onto the web.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software on your desktop.
- 3. Set as Default Program: During setup, check the box to make WPS Office your default application for spreadsheets to ensure files open locally every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my OneDrive Excel links keep opening in Microsoft Edge?
By default, links generated from files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint are treated as standard web URLs (starting with https://). When you click them, Windows routes them to your default web browser, such as Microsoft Edge, unless you configure Office's Link Handling settings to intercept them.
How do I share an Excel link that forces users to open it in their desktop app?
Instead of sharing a web link directly from the OneDrive cloud, you can share the direct local network path if you are on a shared corporate server. Otherwise, recipients must either adjust their own Office Link Handling settings or manually click the 'Open in Desktop App' button on the ribbon once the file opens in their browser.
Does clearing the Microsoft Edge cache fix the Excel shortcut issue?
No, clearing your browser cache will not resolve this issue. The behavior is governed by your Windows Default App settings and the internal Microsoft Office 'Link Handling' configuration, not by browser data.
