Microsoft 365 Office opens blank document only in browser mode. It didn't at first. How do I fix it? (Office for Windows)

Q: was this an office update or windows?

A: windows, everything opens in browser and forces files to OneDrive.

You could look into the option of doing a system restore.

You could restore and repair system files. (much of which sounds like compete PC overhaul to fix a simple selection app)

It is incredible to me that Microsoft can sell such buggy software that it breaks and thinks I should spend days uninstalling, reinstalling, and reconfiguring. I only bought MS365 so that I could put the same software on all my computers. Maybe I should have installed LibreOffice instead. I have had it on my MacBook for years and never had an issue with it and it has an app opener just like Office.

Really disappointed.

I am a user like you and I understand the pain, I figured you have a Business Office 365. By default, when you click on Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files from SharePoint or OneDrive, they open up in the browser. That is the default experience for these file types

Please follow the steps on how to default Office files to open in the native app

You would need to change some settings behind the scenes. Instructions are a bit different for SharePoint and OneDrive. Please see the video below on how to do this.

https://youtu.be/hVpX4wQdIhc

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page seems to provide accurate and reliable information. Beware of advertisements on the site that may advertise products that are frequently classified as PUPs (potentially unwanted products). Do thorough research on any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

I hope this help ;)

Sorry, you had to experience that, since repair had no effect, you need to uninstall and then reinstall the office. But before that, was this an office update or windows?

You could look into the option of doing a system restore: https://support.microsoft.com/windows/31ce2444-7de3-818c-d626-e3b5a3024da5

Also, you could restore and repair system files

In the search box on the taskbar, type command prompt, then select Run as administrator from the list of options.

In the window that appears, type this command including spaces as shown: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Press Enter. When the command operation has run successfully, you'll see a confirmation message from Command Prompt that says, “The restore operation completed successfully” or “The operation completed successfully”.
Note: If you don't see a confirmation message, retype the command and try again.

Next, type this command, including the space as shown: sfc /scannow

Press Enter. Wait until the sfc scan verification reaches 100% completion, and then close Command Prompt.

Q: Does this happen with every Microsoft office app?

A: Yes

Q: Since you said it didn't do this at first, then have you tried to repair the Office application

A: Yes

Q: or uninstall and then reinstall it?

A: NO.

I did a repair in Settings on the app but it did not fix it.

This all started after an update which removed all the icons from the office start up menu.

I spent a lot of time changing all the office apps quick access bar. I would hate to lose these changes.

Hi EESummey

I'm Anna and I'd be happy to help you out with your question.

Does this happen with every Microsoft office app? Since you said it didn't do this at first, then have you tried to repair the Office application or uninstall and then reinstall it?

Repair an Office application and uninstallation (For Windows PC)

https://support.microsoft.com/office/7821d4b6-7c1d-4205-aa0e-a6b40c5bb88b

You can only uninstall Office for Mac

https://support.microsoft.com/office/1199-5b58-43af-8a3d-b73dc1a8cae3

Best Regards,

Anna

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