Open file location

Question

Previously I right clicked on a file in the Home screen of Windows explorer and selected "open file location" it would take me to the relevant location also in Windows explorer. Now when I do so it takes me to the location in a browser. I don't want it to do that and I want to know how to get back to to how it worked previously.

Can someone tell me how to do that. I'm using Windows 11 64 bit with office 365.

Answer 1

Hello, I am Ivy.

Thank you for reaching out! The behavior you’re seeing in Windows 11—where Open file location from File Explorer’s Home opens a browser instead of a local folder—is expected when the file is stored in OneDrive or SharePoint online and not fully downloaded to your PC. This happens because the shortcut points to a cloud location.

Why This Happens

• Windows 11 File Explorer Home integrates with Office.com and shows recent cloud files.
• If the file is “online-only” (cloud icon visible), the system redirects to the web path.

How to Restore Local Behavior

1. Turn Off Office.com Integration in File Explorer

• Open File Explorer → Options → General → Privacy.
• Uncheck Show files from Office.com.
• Click OK and restart File Explorer.
• This removes cloud-only shortcuts from Home.

2. Make Files Available Offline

• In OneDrive, right-click the file or folder → Always keep on this device.
• Once downloaded, Open file location will point to your local OneDrive folder.

3. Set File Explorer to Open “This PC” Instead of Home

• File Explorer → Options → General → Open File Explorer to: select This PC.

4. Optional: Change Office Settings

• In OneDrive or Office settings, enable Open Office files in desktop app to reduce web redirects.

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Thank you again for your patience and support!

Ivy Bui