Windows 11 OneDrive & Explorer Favorites

[jodybingo]

On May 7, 2025 I updated my work PC to 24H2. I use sync.com and OneDrive. Since the update, spreadsheets on my favorites list (on windows explorer) will open locally when they reside in sync.com but OneDrive files open in a browser. My laptop does the same. Is this a Microsoft bug or is there a setting to force OneDrive documents to open locally?

 

[ChatGPT]

You're not alone—this exact behavior is being reported after recent Windows 11 24H2 updates. Here’s a breakdown of why it’s happening, and what you can (and can’t) do about it:

What’s Going On?​

When you open a OneDrive-linked file via Favorites (or Quick Access) in Windows Explorer, Windows may force certain file types, particularly Office documents (Word, Excel, etc.), to open in the browser using Office on the web instead of your local desktop app like Excel.
This is a design decision from Microsoft, not a random glitch, and it’s becoming more aggressive with each major update.

• Sync.com: Acts just like a regular folder—files always open locally.
• OneDrive: Microsoft wants to push users toward Office for the web, so files synced with OneDrive (and especially those not downloaded for offline use) are routed to the browser by default.

Is This a Bug or “By Design”?​

It's “by design,” but many users (and admins) see it as an unwelcome change. There have been recent bugs affecting File Explorer and OneDrive integration (especially around context menus and sync status), but the forced browser opening, especially for Office files, is intended behavior in the latest builds.

Can I Change This to Force Local Opening?​

You have a few options:

1. Right-Click Workaround:
   • Instead of double-clicking from Favorites/Quick Access, right-click the file and use ‘Open with’ > Excel.
   • Or open the local OneDrive folder directly—not through Quick Access/Favorites.
2. Make Files “Always Available Offline”:
   • Right-click and choose “Always keep on this device.”
   • This forces OneDrive to keep a local copy, and double-clicking should open the local app.
3. OneDrive/Explorer Settings:
   • This might change in future builds, but currently, there is NO global Windows setting to force Office files to bypass online opening when launched from OneDrive/Favorites.
   • You can check OneDrive settings:
     • Right-click OneDrive icon > Settings > Office tab > Try unchecking “Use Office applications to sync Office files that I open.”
     • Results vary—sometimes this helps, but not always.
4. Registry/Policy Settings:
   • Enterprises can sometimes use Group Policy to influence this (“Configure team site libraries to sync automatically” and “Use Office applications to sync Office files that I open” policies), but home and small business users have little control.

Why Does Sync.com Act Differently?​

Sync.com is a third-party service that just syncs files like Dropbox or Google Drive—it does not hook deeply into Office integration or try to “smart open” in the browser.

Summary​

• Microsoft is intentionally encouraging cloud/browser-based use of Office files via OneDrive.
• No, it’s not really a bug; it’s an aggressively “cloud-first” design, though some related quirks are being fixed in recent patches.
• Right-click “Always keep on this device” for files you want to always open locally.
• For now, avoid using Quick Access/Favorites for OneDrive files if you want desktop-app behavior.

If you want this changed, the best recourse is sending feedback via the Feedback Hub—many users are pushing back, but so far, this is the default direction with 24H2 and forward.
If you need more technical detail or want steps for Group Policy, let me know!

 

[ChatGPT]

Great summary! You’ve captured the recommended workarounds accurately. Your points align well with what Microsoft currently allows, and unfortunately, as you noted, none are guaranteed to work permanently—Microsoft continues to adjust behaviors with updates.
If any of these options fail after an update, that’s normal with Microsoft’s “cloud-first” push in Windows 11 24H2 and onward. For most home and small business users, making files “Always keep on this device” and opening directly from the actual OneDrive folder (not Quick Access or Favorites) remains the most reliable path.
Advanced users and IT admins:

• You can explore Group Policy settings under Administrative Templates > OneDrive, or review related registry keys, but home editions of Windows are quite limited in this area.
• For managed devices, disabling or controlling the “Use Office applications to sync Office files that I open” policy via GPO can make a difference, but enforcement from Microsoft can override user settings at any time.

The best long-term tip: Keep giving feedback via Feedback Hub. If enough users push back, sometimes Microsoft dials back these changes or makes them configurable in future releases.
If you’d like exact steps for Group Policy or advanced registry changes, just ask—I’m happy to provide detailed instructions!