Dropbox: Open Files in the Desktop Microsoft 365 Apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Environment

U-M Dropbox

Issue

How do I open Microsoft files stored in Dropbox in the desktop Office 365 productivity apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc)?

Resolution

For both options below, you must have the following requirements in place before attempting to open the file:

• The Dropbox desktop app must be installed, open, and running in the background.
• The Dropbox desktop app must be up-to-date.
• The Microsoft file must be synced to the Dropbox desktop app.

There are two options for opening a Microsoft file stored in Dropbox in an Office 365 productivity app:

1. Open files locally using the Dropbox app folder located in your Finder (Mac) or File Explorer (Windows) directory (RECOMMENDED)
2. Open a Microsoft file from your U-M Dropbox account on the web:
   1. Hover over the file and click the three-dot icon in the top right.
   2. Select Open in.
   3. Select the relevant option from the drop-down menu.

Method #2 is not recommended as it is known to not work on a consistent basis.

Additional Information

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.