Google Drive Will Open Office Files In Editing Mode By Default

As per an official blog, Google has announced that it is rolling out a new update for Google Drive. After this update, Google Drive will open Microsoft Office files directly in the editing mode.

Previously, if you opened any office file on Google Drive, it would open a preview of the document. Users had to manually choose whether to open the document in editing mode or download it.

But that changes today, as you will be automatically shifted over to editing mode by default. Users will also be able to directly comment or collaborate on Google Drive via Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

This new Google drive editing mode by default feature applies for file types including .docx, .doc, .ppt, .pptx, .xls, .xlsx, and .xlsm. Password protected files would be exempted.

Besides, if you have the “Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides” extension installed, then double-clicking the document would redirect you to the extension instead of Docs, Sheets, or Slides.

Those who wish to preview the document can still use the preview mode. Simply right-click on the file and tap “Preview” or press “P” on your keyboard while double-clicking the file.

Google Workspace introduces Enhanced Support service for enterprise users

Another thing that this new update is triggering for Google Workspace enterprise users is the Enhanced Support service. Basically, this would offer accelerated response time, advanced product knowledge, along with third-party technology support.

Enhanced support levels come with Standard or Premium support. Users of Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, and Enterprise Plus editions can make use of this new feature.

All the cases for the enhanced support customers will be taken on priority. Issues will be routed over to technical experts for their fast resolution.

This new office editing support update makes it quicker for files to open and edit them. Any changes made to the file using the interface of Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides will be saved automatically in its respective format.

As already mentioned, password-protected files will not be opened directly in editing mode even after this office file editing support feature. They will continue to open in preview mode. After which the user can manually select to edit it.

For group admins, this feature will be enabled by default. Moreover, there is no admin control for this feature. For end-users, this feature will work automatically by default.

Office editing support is already live for Rapid Release Domains from October 27. However, for the Schedule Release Domains, the update will go live starting on November 30.

This new office file editing support feature on Google Drive will be available to everyone including Essentials, Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education, Enterprise for Education, and Nonprofits customers and users with personal Google Accounts.