How can I hyperlink to a sharepoint file without signing in

Question

I have 2 Spreadsheets in a SharePoint site (SSA and SSB). I am wanting to place a hyperlink in SSA to switch to SSB without having to sign in again. The person using the files has access to the SharePoint site and can open both of the files. When I put a hyperlink in and run it I am asked to sign in and then it is opened in the Browser version of Excel!

I know I can place the files in a local folder but the doesn't allow them to be accessed across the Network OR that I can combine the two files into a single spreadsheet but the people who use them want them kept separate (for some reason). Can someone help me please?

Answer 1

Hello @Peter Chambers, 

Thank you for your additional information! 

To make SharePoint hyperlinks open directly in Excel Desktop instead of the browser, you can use the ms-excel:ofe|u| protocol in your hyperlinks by following these steps:

1. Copy the SharePoint File URL

• Go to your SharePoint document library. 
• Locate the file you want to link to. 
• Copy its full URL (e.g., https://yoursharepointsite.com/sites/team/Shared%20Documents/file.xlsx). 

2. Modify the Hyperlink Format

• In Excel, select the cell where you want the hyperlink. 
• Press Ctrl + K (or right-click > Link). 
• In the Address field, enter the following format: 

ms-excel:ofe|u|https://yoursharepointsite.com/sites/team/Shared%20Documents/file.xlsx  

• Explanation: 
  • ms-excel: >Tells Windows to use Excel. 
  • ofe|u| > Means “Open File in Excel | URL”. 
  • The URL after u| is your SharePoint file link. 

3. Test the Link

• If you open the file using the Desktop app:  Excel will launch and open the file directly. 
• If you open the file using Excel Online:  A warning pop-up may appear. Click Open in Desktop App to continue. 

 

Requirements

• Excel Desktop must be installed. 
• You must be signed in to Office with the same account that has SharePoint access. 

If you need any further assistance or clarification on any steps, please feel free to reply. I'll happy to assist further!

Answer 2

Hello @Peter Chambers, 

Good day! Thank you for posting your valuable question on the Microsoft Q&A forum. 

To help us provide the most accurate and effective solution for your hyperlink issue, could you share a bit more detail about your setup? 

• Are you opening the hyperlink from Excel Desktop or Excel Online? 
• Are both files located in the same SharePoint document library, or are they in different sites? 
• When you click the hyperlink, does it always prompt for sign-in, or only occasionally? 
• Are you signed into your Office apps with the same account that has access to SharePoint? 
• Do you want the hyperlink to open in Excel Desktop, or is opening in the browser acceptable? 
• Are the Excel files synced to your OneDrive from the SharePoint library? 
• Is this issue occurring for all users or just you? 
• Which browser are you (and other users) using? 
• Do you have multiple profiles configured in your browser?

This additional context will help us understand your environment and the steps already taken so we can tailor the guidance to resolve the issue effectively. 

I apologize if I could not jump straight to a solution. I want to avoid suggesting anything that might be inaccurate or unhelpful. Once we have the details above, we’ll be able to assist you more effectively and guide you toward the right resolution. 

Looking forward to your response so we can get this sorted out for you together. 

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