How can I link to an Excel file on a network share from a php web page?

Question

I am trying to link a file on a php webpage which is hosted on a server within our local network using IIS.

The workbook must load via the network location and not download a copy. All users have been given permission to access the workbook.

I have tried <a href='file:\\myserver\workbook.xlsm'>Open Workbook</a> but it gets blocked by the browser. (Edge Chromium is the default in our organisation.)

I have tried a batch file (that opens the workbook) in the root of the web directory and then doing <a href='file.bat'> etc. but I get a server error page to say the resource was not found. I had the same issue trying to put it in a zip archive.

(If I change the extension to .txt it will load, and open in the browser, so clearly .bat is blocked, and .zip ?)

I could have a button that copies the filepath to the clipboard and then pops up a modal that asks the user to press Windows key + R and paste the link and press enter. I don't think that's acceptable UX though.

The only other idea I have is to make the link trigger an email to the user with the network link to the excel file contained (we have AD so I know the user's email address on page load.) Again, this is not a good UX.

Does anyone have any better ideas to achieve a link that will open a file from a local network share?

(Oh I have even tried a .lnk file which the user could download and open and its target was set to the file on the network path. But .lnk was blocked like .bat)