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HomeExtra features for ExcelTip of the Day | Thursday February 26th, 2026

Tip of the Day | Thursday February 26th, 2026

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Set Temporary Default File Location to Current Folder

This tool temporarily sets Excel's default folder to the location of your current workbook.
As a result, when you use Excel's classic Open (Control+F12) or Save (Alt+F2 or F12) dialogs, they will start in this folder, making it quicker to open or save related files without browsing through folders.

It's useful when:

  • Working in project-specific folders and subfolders
  • Opening related files from the same folder when multiple workbooks are open.

    Important to know:

  • This setting is temporary. Excel will use this folder until you open or save a file from a different location, after which Excel updates its working folder automatically.
  • This works with Excel's classic Open/Save dialogs (not the modern Backstage view).
  • It does not change Excel's permanent default file location setting (File > Options > Save > Default local file location)
    By default, you can launch this tool using the Control+Alt+E shortcut.
    Tip:
    Regardless of this setting, Alt+F2 or F12 always uses the classic Save As dialog, and Control+F12 always uses the classic File Open dialog.
    If you prefer the classic Windows-style Open and Save dialogs also for the other shortcuts, you can use the following setting in Excel:
    1. Go to File > Options > Save
    2. Enable "Don't show the Backstage when opening or saving files with keyboard shortcuts."

    Screenshots

    File & System  ›  Set Temporary Default File Location to Current Folder

    Starting this tool


    File & System  ›  Set Temporary Default File Location to Current Folder

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