Open Sharepoint Excel Files In Desktop App: A Step-By-Step Guide

Opening SharePoint Excel files in your desktop app can make working with spreadsheets a lot more efficient, especially when you’re dealing with extensive data manipulation or analysis. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to access your Excel files through SharePoint and provide helpful tips along the way. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this article will help you navigate this process smoothly.

Why Use the Desktop App? 🖥️

Using the Excel desktop app rather than the web version comes with significant advantages, including:

• Full Features: The desktop version offers advanced features and tools that might be unavailable online.
• Better Performance: Larger files run more smoothly in the desktop application.
• Offline Access: Work on your files even when you're not connected to the internet.

Step-by-Step Guide to Open SharePoint Excel Files in Desktop App

Step 1: Navigate to Your SharePoint Site

1. Open your preferred web browser and log in to your SharePoint account.
2. Navigate to the document library that contains your Excel files. This could be under "Documents" or a specific library depending on your organization's structure.

Step 2: Find the Excel File

1. Scroll through the files or use the search bar at the top to find your desired Excel file.
2. Once located, click the file to highlight it.

Step 3: Open in Desktop App

1. With the file selected, look for the "Open" button at the top menu. It may also appear as three dots or an ellipsis (…).
2. Click on "Open" and then select Open in Excel (or Open in Desktop App, depending on your SharePoint version).

Step 4: Allow Permissions

• If this is your first time opening a file in the desktop app, you may receive a prompt asking for permission. Click "Yes" or "Allow" to proceed.

Step 5: Edit and Save

1. Once the file is open in Excel, you can edit it just like any other spreadsheet.
2. To save your changes back to SharePoint, simply click the “Save” button in the Excel application. Ensure that you're saving to the same location in SharePoint.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

• Issue: File won’t open
  Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to access the file. If you cannot open it, reach out to your SharePoint admin for help.

• Issue: Desktop app doesn’t respond
  Close the application and restart your computer. Then try opening the file again.

• Issue: Conflicts with other versions
  If multiple people are working on the file, ensure everyone is saving correctly to avoid overwriting changes.

Tips and Shortcuts for Using Excel with SharePoint

• Use SharePoint Links: Consider creating direct links to commonly accessed Excel files for faster access.
• Version Control: Always keep track of versions in SharePoint to avoid data loss or confusion among collaborators.

Important Notes

<p class="pro-note">When collaborating with others, communicate frequently to avoid conflicts and ensure everyone is on the same page with document changes.</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I open SharePoint Excel files without logging in?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>No, you'll need to log in to your SharePoint account to access and open files.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What if my desktop app is not opening SharePoint files?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Check if your Excel app is updated and that you have permission to open the file.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can multiple people edit the same Excel file at once?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, SharePoint allows real-time collaboration, but be careful to save frequently to avoid conflicts.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is there a way to revert to a previous version of an Excel file in SharePoint?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can use the version history feature in SharePoint to restore previous versions of a file.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

As you navigate opening SharePoint Excel files in the desktop app, remember that practicing will enhance your comfort level with the process. Explore more related tutorials to become more proficient in using SharePoint and Excel together.

<p class="pro-note">🌟Pro Tip: Regularly save your work and keep backups of important files to prevent data loss!</p>