Choose how OneNote opens Microsoft 365 file links

Hi, Insiders! I am Daniel Beade, a Product Manager on the OneNote Notebooks team. I’m excited to share with you a new capability in OneNote for Windows and Mac that gives you more flexibility in how Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote file links open.

Get more control over how links open in OneNote

Whether you’re reviewing a report, jumping into a presentation, or revisiting linked content, moving seamlessly between files when you’re working in OneNote is key to staying in flow.

That’s why we’re introducing a new capability that gives you more control over how you open links from OneNote. You now have a choice: links can open either in your browser or in the desktop app.

The default setting is for files to open in your browser, but it’s easy to change your preference in your OneNote settings.

How to use

You can update your preference directly in OneNote settings.

How to update your link open preference in OneNote for Windows:

1. Go to File, then Options.
2. Navigate to Advanced.
3. From the menu in Link open preference, choose desktop or browser.

How to update your link open preference in OneNote for Mac:

1. On the top menu bar, go to OneNote, then Preferences.
2. In the OneNote Preferences dialog box that opens, select Navigation.
3. Under Link open preference, choose Desktop or Browser.

Browser vs desktop scenarios

This new setting allows you to tailor your experience based on how you prefer to work because different tasks call for different workflows:

• If you’re quickly scanning content or referencing material, opening in the browser can be fast and lightweight.
• If you’re editing, reviewing in depth, or working across multiple files, opening in the desktop app can provide a rich experience without leaving the app.

Availability

This feature is available to OneNote users running:

• Windows: Version 2603 (Build 19820.20000) or later.
• Mac: Version 16.110 (Build 26050124) or later.

Features covered on this blog will rollout over time to enable us to monitor quality and performance, so some preview features may not be available to you right away. Also note that features may be paused, adjusted, or removed as part of that process.

Feedback

We want to hear from you! Please submit your comments and feedback by selecting Help > Feedback in OneNote.

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