Table of Contents Issue Overview Expected vs Actual Behavior Steps to Reproduce 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”:

Introduction One of the most frustrating experiences for SharePoint users is when a document link that worked perfectly yesterday suddenly returns a 404 error today. This scenario is all too common, especially after migrations or when documents are renamed or moved. Understanding how SharePoint links work and their limitations is crucial for effective document management. The Problem: Broken Links After File Changes This raises an important question: Why do SharePoint links break when files are renamed or moved?