Audience: Albert users and admins working with Microsoft Office files · Goal: Ensure Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files open and edit correctly using Microsoft Office for the Web.

WOPI (Web Application Open Platform Interface) lets Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files open and be edited directly inside Albert using Microsoft Office for the Web. This guide explains what works, what doesn’t, and how to troubleshoot when files fail to open.

On this page

• 📘 Overview

• ✅ What works in Albert

• 🧩 Getting started: what’s needed

• 🛡️ Organization & IT settings

• 🐞 Common issues & how to resolve them

• 📋 Quick troubleshooting checklist

• 🆘 Getting help

• 💻 Alternative: desktop editing

WOPI (Web Application Open Platform Interface) allows Microsoft Office files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to be opened and edited directly within Albert using Microsoft Office for the Web.

This guide helps you confirm that Microsoft files can open correctly in Albert and explains what to check if they do not.

• Open Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files inside Albert.

• Edit files using Microsoft Office for the Web.

• Add comments and annotations.

• Real-time co-authoring (multiple people editing the same file at the same time).

• Version history within Albert.

If the same file is opened for editing by more than one person at the same time, Microsoft will display an error message and prevent the second session from opening the file for edit.

A valid Microsoft account with access to Office for the Web is required to open and edit files.

If a Microsoft session is not active, files may appear blank or fail to open.

Tip: Signing in to https://office.com in the same browser often resolves blank or white screens.

First-time setup note:

When opening Microsoft files in Albert for the first time, the Microsoft sign-in / connection may take a few extra seconds. In some cases, the file may time out during this initial setup. If that happens, close the file and open it again; it should load normally after the connection is established.

For best results, use:

• Google Chrome (latest version)

• Microsoft Edge (latest version)

Check that:

• Pop-ups are allowed.

• Cookies are enabled (especially for Microsoft services).

• Browser extensions that block content are disabled for testing.

In some environments, security policies can prevent Microsoft files from opening in Albert. If issues continue after basic checks, internal IT involvement may be required.

The network must allow access to:

• Microsoft Office Online services.

• Microsoft authentication services.

• Albert services required for document access.

Blocked access may result in blank screens or access errors.

The following Microsoft policies are known to block in-browser editing:

• Restrictions allowing only approved Microsoft apps.

• Policies blocking third-party storage locations.

• Device compliance requirements.

When enabled, these settings can prevent Office for the Web from opening files stored in Albert.

Run through this list before escalating to IT or Albert Support:

1. Confirm Microsoft sign-in is active (for example, at office.com).

2. Try opening the file in a private / incognito window.

3. Disable browser extensions temporarily (especially ad-blockers or security add-ons).

4. Verify pop-ups and cookies are allowed for Microsoft and Albert.

5. Retry after ensuring no one else is currently editing the file.

6. If the issue continues, check with internal IT for network or policy restrictions.

If files still do not open after completing the checklist and verifying organization settings, Albert Support can help investigate further.

Providing screenshots or browser logs ( HAR files ) will help speed up resolution.

If WOPI is blocked by organizational policies and cannot be enabled, desktop editing options may be available as an alternative.

Contact Albert Support for guidance on configuring a desktop-based workflow for Microsoft Office documents.