SharePoint 'Open in Client Application' Behavior Issue

Table of Contents

Issue Overview

When SharePoint document libraries are configured with the “Open in client application” setting, users may experience unexpected behavior where new files open in the same browser tab instead of launching the desktop application as intended.

Issue Summary:

  • Expected: Files should open in desktop applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Actual: Files open in the same browser tab instead of launching client apps
  • Affected: SharePoint document libraries with “Open in client application” enabled
  • Scope: Potentially affects user productivity and workflow expectations

Expected vs Actual Behavior

Expected Behavior

When a SharePoint library is set to “Open in client application”:

  1. User clicks on a document
  2. System should launch the appropriate desktop application
  3. Document opens in the native Office application
  4. User can leverage full desktop functionality

Actual Behavior (Issue)

What’s currently happening:

  1. User clicks on a document
  2. Document opens within the browser tab
  3. User is presented with Office Online instead of desktop app
  4. Limited functionality compared to desktop applications

New File Creation

Steps to Reproduce

Step 1: Configure Library Settings

  1. Navigate to your SharePoint document library
  2. Go to Library Settings > Advanced Settings
  3. Set “Opening Documents in the Browser” to “Open in client application”

Open in Client Application Setting

Step 2: Test the Behavior

  1. Create a document in the library Open in New Tab
  2. Click on the document name to open it
  3. Observe that it opens in browser instead of desktop application

Conclusion

The “Open in client application” setting not working as expected on new files appears to be a configuration or integration issue affecting SharePoint document libraries. The root cause requires further investigation.