How To Add Sharepoint Folder To Windows Explorer

Have you ever wanted to seamlessly access your SharePoint folders directly from Windows Explorer? Well, the good news is that you can! By adding your SharePoint folder to Windows Explorer, you can easily navigate, open, and manage your files just like you would with any other folder on your computer.

To add a SharePoint folder to Windows Explorer, you can take advantage of the "Open with Explorer" feature. This feature allows you to map your SharePoint folder as a network drive, making it easily accessible from within Windows Explorer. By doing so, you can save time and effort in accessing your SharePoint files, improving your overall productivity and workflow.

Unlocking the Power of SharePoint: Adding SharePoint Folders to Windows Explorer

SharePoint is a powerful collaboration platform that allows teams to easily store, organize, and share files and folders. While accessing SharePoint through a web browser is convenient, many users find it more efficient to work with SharePoint files directly from Windows Explorer, the native file manager in the Windows operating system. Adding SharePoint folders to Windows Explorer provides a seamless integration between SharePoint and your local file system, making it easier to manage and interact with your SharePoint files. In this guide, we will explore how to add SharePoint folders to Windows Explorer and unlock the full potential of SharePoint.

Step 1: Obtain the SharePoint Library URL

The first step in adding a SharePoint folder to Windows Explorer is to obtain the SharePoint Library URL. The SharePoint Library URL is the web address that points to the specific SharePoint library or folder that you want to add. To obtain the URL, navigate to the SharePoint library or folder in your web browser. Once you are in the desired location, copy the URL from the address bar.

To copy the SharePoint Library URL:

• Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the SharePoint library.
• Once you are in the library, locate the address bar at the top of the browser window.
• Click inside the address bar to select the entire URL.
• Right-click on the selected URL and choose "Copy" from the context menu.

By following these steps, you will have successfully obtained the SharePoint Library URL needed to add the SharePoint folder to Windows Explorer.

Step 2: Map the SharePoint Library as a Network Drive

Once you have obtained the SharePoint Library URL, the next step is to map the SharePoint library as a network drive in Windows Explorer. Mapping the SharePoint library as a network drive allows you to access the SharePoint files through Windows Explorer, just like any other local drive or folder on your computer.

To map the SharePoint library as a network drive:

• Open Windows Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
• In the Windows Explorer window, click on "This PC" or "Computer" in the sidebar.
• Next, click on the "Map network drive" button located at the top of the Windows Explorer window.
• The "Map Network Drive" window will appear. In the "Drive" field, choose an available drive letter from the dropdown menu.
• In the "Folder" field, paste the SharePoint Library URL that you obtained in Step 1. You can paste the URL by right-clicking in the field and selecting "Paste" from the context menu.
• Click on the "Finish" button to complete the mapping process.

Once you have successfully mapped the SharePoint library as a network drive, you will be able to access and interact with the SharePoint files directly from Windows Explorer.

Troubleshooting: Mapping Failed

If you encounter any issues while mapping the SharePoint library as a network drive, ensure that you have entered the correct SharePoint Library URL and that you have the necessary permissions to access the library. Additionally, check your internet connection to ensure it is stable and reliable. If the issue persists, contact your SharePoint administrator for further assistance.

Step 3: Accessing SharePoint Folders in Windows Explorer

After successfully mapping the SharePoint library as a network drive, you can access the SharePoint folders and files in Windows Explorer.

To access SharePoint folders in Windows Explorer:

• Open Windows Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
• In the sidebar, locate the network drive letter that you assigned to the SharePoint library during the mapping process.
• Click on the network drive letter to expand it and view the SharePoint folders and files.
• You can now navigate, open, copy, move, or perform any other file operations on the SharePoint folders and files, just like you would with any other local folders on your computer.

With easy access to SharePoint folders in Windows Explorer, you can streamline your workflow and work with SharePoint files more efficiently, increasing productivity and collaboration within your team.

Step 4: Syncing SharePoint Libraries with OneDrive

In addition to mapping SharePoint folders as a network drive, you can also sync SharePoint libraries with Microsoft OneDrive. Syncing allows you to have offline access to your SharePoint files, making it convenient to work with them even without an internet connection.

To sync a SharePoint library with OneDrive:

• Open your web browser and navigate to the SharePoint library that you want to sync.
• In the upper-right corner of the SharePoint library page, click on the "Sync" button.
• A OneDrive dialog box will appear, asking if you want to sync the library. Click on the "Sync Now" button.
• The SharePoint library will begin syncing with your OneDrive. You can monitor the sync progress in the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
• Once the sync is complete, you can access and work with the SharePoint files directly from your computer's file explorer, even without an internet connection.

Syncing SharePoint libraries with OneDrive provides the flexibility to work remotely and seamlessly collaborate with your team, ensuring that you always have the latest version of the files at your fingertips.

Integrating SharePoint and Windows Explorer: A Time-Saving Solution

The integration of SharePoint and Windows Explorer offers a time-saving solution for managing and accessing SharePoint files. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily add SharePoint folders to Windows Explorer and streamline your workflow. Whether you choose to map the SharePoint library as a network drive or sync SharePoint libraries with OneDrive, you will have the convenience of accessing and working with SharePoint files directly from your local file manager. Embrace the power of SharePoint and Windows Explorer integration to enhance collaboration, increase productivity, and simplify file management within your organization.

Adding a SharePoint Folder to Windows Explorer

Adding a SharePoint folder to Windows Explorer allows you to access and manage the files stored in SharePoint directly from your local file explorer. This can greatly enhance productivity and simplify file management. Follow these steps to add a SharePoint folder to Windows Explorer:

• Open Internet Explorer and navigate to your SharePoint site.
• From the SharePoint site, navigate to the desired folder.
• Click on the "Library" tab in the top ribbon.
• Under the "Library" tab, click on the "Open with Explorer" button.
• A new window will open with the SharePoint folder in Windows Explorer.
• To make it easier to access in the future, you can right-click on the SharePoint folder in Windows Explorer and select "Pin to Quick Access" or drag it to your desired location in the file explorer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about how to add a SharePoint folder to Windows Explorer.

1. Can I add a SharePoint folder to Windows Explorer?

Yes, you can add a SharePoint folder to Windows Explorer. This allows you to access the folder and its contents directly from the File Explorer interface on your computer. It provides a more convenient way to manage and organize your SharePoint files and folders.

To add a SharePoint folder to Windows Explorer, you need to follow a few simple steps. Here's how:

2. How do I add a SharePoint folder to Windows Explorer?

To add a SharePoint folder to Windows Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Open Internet Explorer and navigate to your SharePoint site.

2. Navigate to the SharePoint folder you want to add to Windows Explorer.

3. Click on the "Library" tab at the top of the page.

4. In the "Connect & Export" group, click on the "Open with Explorer" icon.

5. If prompted, select "Allow" to give permission for the website to open a program on your computer.

6. A new Windows Explorer window will open, displaying the SharePoint folder.

7. You can now access and manage the SharePoint folder directly from Windows Explorer.

3. Can I synchronize a SharePoint folder to my computer?

Yes, you can synchronize a SharePoint folder to your computer. When you synchronize a SharePoint folder, a local copy of the folder and its contents will be created on your computer. This allows you to access and work with the folder even when you are offline. Any changes made to the folder will automatically sync with the online SharePoint folder when you go online.

To synchronize a SharePoint folder to your computer, follow these steps:

1. Open Internet Explorer and navigate to your SharePoint site.

2. Navigate to the SharePoint folder you want to synchronize.

3. Click on the "Library" tab at the top of the page.

4. In the "Connect & Export" group, click on the "Sync" icon.

5. If prompted, select "Open Microsoft OneDrive" or "Open Microsoft SharePoint" to launch the OneDrive or SharePoint sync app.

6. Follow the prompts to sign in and set up the sync.

4. How do I remove a SharePoint folder from Windows Explorer?

To remove a SharePoint folder from Windows Explorer, you can follow these steps:

1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the SharePoint folder you want to remove.

2. Right-click on the folder and select "Properties" from the context menu.

3. In the "General" tab, click on the "Offline Files" button.

4. Select "Delete offline copy" and click "OK".

5. Can I access a SharePoint folder in Windows Explorer on a Mac?

Yes, you can access a SharePoint folder in Windows Explorer on a Mac. However, since Windows Explorer is a Windows-specific application, it is not natively available on Mac. To access a SharePoint folder on a Mac, you can use a third-party file explorer or file management tool that supports SharePoint integration, such as Microsoft SharePoint Workspace or OneDrive for Business.

Make sure to download and install the appropriate tool for your Mac, and then follow the instructions provided by the tool to access and manage SharePoint folders.

In conclusion, adding a SharePoint folder to Windows Explorer can greatly improve your workflow and make it easier to access and manage your files. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can seamlessly integrate your SharePoint folder into Windows Explorer, allowing you to navigate and work with your files just like any other folder on your computer.

This process eliminates the need to constantly switch between the SharePoint website and Windows Explorer, saving you time and effort. Whether you're collaborating with team members or organizing files for personal use, adding a SharePoint folder to Windows Explorer is a valuable tool that can enhance your productivity and streamline your file management process.