How To Add Sharepoint To Windows Explorer

Have you ever wished that you could seamlessly access your SharePoint files right from your Windows Explorer? Well, the good news is that you can! Adding SharePoint to Windows Explorer allows for easy file navigation and management, just like any other folder on your computer. No more logging into SharePoint separately or dealing with clunky web interfaces. With this simple integration, you can save time and work more efficiently.

Adding SharePoint to Windows Explorer is a game-changer for collaboration and file management. By integrating SharePoint directly into your familiar file explorer, you can effortlessly browse, edit, and share documents, empowering you to work more effectively with your team. Gone are the days of navigating multiple platforms or struggling with version control. Easily access SharePoint libraries and folders, drag and drop files, and benefit from seamless syncing across devices. With SharePoint in Windows Explorer, you have the power to streamline your workflow and increase productivity.

Introduction

Sharepoint is a powerful collaboration platform that allows teams to store, organize, and share documents and information within an organization. One of the convenient features of Sharepoint is the ability to access and manage your Sharepoint files directly from Windows Explorer. This integration allows for a seamless workflow and easy file management. In this article, we will explore how to add Sharepoint to Windows Explorer, taking advantage of its features and enhancing your productivity.

Setting Up WebDAV

Before adding Sharepoint to Windows Explorer, we need to set up WebDAV, a protocol that enables file access over the internet. WebDAV is a necessary component for this integration. Follow these steps to set up WebDAV:

• Open Internet Explorer and go to the Sharepoint site you want to add to Windows Explorer.
• Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner and select "Site Information".
• Under "Web Designer Galleries", click on "Master pages".
• Copy the URL displayed in the address bar, excluding everything after "/_catalogs/masterpage/".
• Open Windows Explorer and right-click on "This PC".
• Select "Map network drive".
• In the "Drive" dropdown menu, choose a drive letter of your preference.
• For the "Folder" field, paste the URL you copied from Sharepoint and append "/documents" at the end.
• Check the box that says "Connect using different credentials".
• Click "Finish".

Once you have completed these steps, you have successfully set up WebDAV, paving the way to add Sharepoint to Windows Explorer and access your Sharepoint files seamlessly.

Adding Sharepoint to Windows Explorer

Now that WebDAV is set up, let's proceed to add Sharepoint to Windows Explorer:

• Open Windows Explorer.
• In the address bar, type the URL of your Sharepoint site.
• Press Enter.
• Click on the "Documents" or "Library" tab.
• Click on the "Open with Explorer" button.
• A Windows Explorer window will open, displaying the content of your Sharepoint site.

Congratulations! You have successfully added Sharepoint to Windows Explorer. Now you can access and manage your Sharepoint files just like any other files on your computer.

Managing Sharepoint Files in Windows Explorer

Now that you have Sharepoint integrated into Windows Explorer, let's explore some features and functionalities that you can leverage:

• Drag and Drop: You can easily move files and folders between local directories and your Sharepoint site by simply dragging and dropping them.
• Context Menu Options: Right-clicking on a file or folder in Windows Explorer will provide you with various options such as renaming, deleting, checking out, or checking in. This allows you to perform Sharepoint-specific actions directly from the file explorer.
• Syncing: If you frequently work with Sharepoint files, you can sync your Sharepoint document library with your local machine. This will create a folder on your computer that automatically syncs with Sharepoint, ensuring you have the latest versions of the files.

These features make it easier for you to collaborate, manage, and organize your Sharepoint files without having to constantly switch between different interfaces.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues while adding Sharepoint to Windows Explorer, try the following troubleshooting tips:

• Check WebDAV Configuration: Ensure that the WebDAV configuration is correctly set up by following the steps mentioned earlier. Verify the URL and check for any typos or missing characters.
• Clear Temporary Internet Files: Sometimes, clearing temporary internet files can resolve connectivity issues. Go to Internet Options in Internet Explorer, navigate to the General tab, and click on "Delete" under the Browsing history section.
• Restart the Computer: Restarting your computer can often fix temporary glitches and restore connectivity.
• Check Firewall Settings: Ensure that the firewall settings on your computer allow access to Sharepoint and WebDAV. You may need to consult with your IT department for assistance with firewall configurations.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you can resolve common issues and successfully add Sharepoint to Windows Explorer.

Exploring Additional Features

Now that we have covered the basics of adding Sharepoint to Windows Explorer, let's delve deeper into some additional features and functionalities you can explore:

Search Integration

Windows Explorer allows you to search for files and folders. This search functionality extends to your added Sharepoint site as well. You can search for files and folders within Sharepoint directly from Windows Explorer's search bar. This integration provides a seamless search experience, making it easier to find the information you need quickly.

Offline Access

If you need to work on Sharepoint files while offline, Windows Explorer allows you to do so. You can simply navigate to the synced folder on your computer and access your files. Any changes made will automatically sync with Sharepoint once you regain internet connectivity. This offline access feature enhances productivity and ensures a seamless workflow.

File Version History

Sharepoint maintains a version history for each file, allowing you to track changes and revert to previous versions if needed. In Windows Explorer, you can access this version history by right-clicking on a file, selecting "Version History," and viewing all the available versions. This feature is particularly useful when collaborating on documents or if you need to revert to an older version.

With these additional features, you can further optimize your Sharepoint and Windows Explorer integration, increasing collaboration, productivity, and file management capabilities.

In conclusion, adding Sharepoint to Windows Explorer provides a seamless workflow and enhances productivity by allowing you to access and manage your Sharepoint files directly from the familiar Windows file explorer interface. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can integrate Sharepoint into your Windows Explorer and take advantage of its features and functionalities, such as drag and drop file management, context menu options, syncing, and more. Troubleshooting tips are provided to address common issues, ensuring a smooth integration process. Additionally, we explored additional features like search integration, offline access, and file version history that can further enhance your Sharepoint and Windows Explorer experience. With this integration, you can streamline your workflow, collaborate effectively, and efficiently manage your Sharepoint documents.

Adding Sharepoint to Windows Explorer

Sharepoint is a powerful collaboration platform that allows teams to share and manage documents, workflows, and tasks. Integrating Sharepoint with Windows Explorer provides a seamless experience for accessing and working with Sharepoint files directly from the familiar File Explorer interface. Here's how you can add Sharepoint to Windows Explorer:

Method 1: Mapping Network Drive

1. Open Windows Explorer and go to "This PC" or "My Computer".

2. Click on the "Map network drive" button in the toolbar.

3. Select a drive letter from the dropdown menu.

4. In the "Folder" field, enter the URL or network path of your Sharepoint site.

5. Check the "Reconnect at sign-in" box for automatic connection on startup.

6. Click "Finish" to complete the mapping process.

Method 2: Adding Network Location

1. Open Windows Explorer and go to "This PC" or "My Computer".

2. Click on the "Map network drive" button in the toolbar.

3. Select "Add a network location" from the menu.

4. Follow the wizard to specify the Sharepoint site URL and provide a name for the network location.

5. Choose whether to open the location immediately or configure advanced settings.

6. Click "Finish" to add the network location to Windows Explorer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about adding SharePoint to Windows Explorer:

1. How do I add SharePoint to Windows Explorer?

To add SharePoint to Windows Explorer, follow these steps:

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

Step 2: Click on the "Library" tab and select "Open with Explorer" from the menu.

Step 3: Windows Explorer will open, displaying the SharePoint site as a folder in the left-hand pane.

Step 4: You can now drag and drop files between your local computer and SharePoint, just like any other folder.

2. Can I access SharePoint files offline after adding it to Windows Explorer?

Yes, once you've added SharePoint to Windows Explorer, you can access your files offline. Windows Explorer caches the files locally, allowing you to work on them even when not connected to the internet. Any changes you make will be automatically synchronized with the SharePoint site once you are online again.

It's important to note that this feature might not be available in all SharePoint environments, as it depends on your organization's settings and permissions.

3. How do I remove SharePoint from Windows Explorer?

To remove SharePoint from Windows Explorer, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Windows Explorer.

Step 2: Right-click on the SharePoint folder in the left-hand pane and select "Delete".

Step 3: Confirm the deletion when prompted.

Once you remove SharePoint from Windows Explorer, the folder will no longer appear in the left-hand pane. However, the files will still be accessible through the SharePoint site.

4. Can I add multiple SharePoint sites to Windows Explorer?

Yes, you can add multiple SharePoint sites to Windows Explorer. Simply repeat the process outlined in question 1 for each SharePoint site you want to add.

Each SharePoint site will appear as a separate folder in the left-hand pane of Windows Explorer, allowing you to easily navigate and manage files from different sites.

5. Are there any limitations or restrictions when using SharePoint in Windows Explorer?

While adding SharePoint to Windows Explorer is a convenient way to access and manage files, there are a few limitations to keep in mind:

- The synchronization between your local computer and the SharePoint site might take some time, especially if you have a large number of files or slow internet connection.

- Some SharePoint features, such as workflows or document versioning, may not be fully supported in Windows Explorer.

- Certain file types, such as .aspx or .swf, cannot be opened directly from Windows Explorer and will require downloading and manual opening.

Adding SharePoint to Windows Explorer can greatly improve your workflow and make it easier to access and manage your SharePoint documents. With just a few simple steps, you can seamlessly integrate SharePoint into your file explorer, allowing you to view, edit, and organize your files just like any other folder on your computer.

To add SharePoint to Windows Explorer, you can follow these steps: first, open Internet Explorer and navigate to your SharePoint site. Next, click on the "Library" tab and then "Open with Explorer." This will open up Windows Explorer with your SharePoint site displayed as a folder. Finally, you can right-click on the SharePoint folder and select "Add to Favorites" to create a shortcut for easy access in the future.

By adding SharePoint to Windows Explorer, you can save time and effort when working with your SharePoint documents. You no longer need to switch between different applications or open your browser to access your files. Instead, you can navigate and manage your SharePoint documents directly from Windows Explorer, making it a seamless part of your daily workflow.

So, go ahead and add SharePoint to Windows Explorer today to experience the convenience and efficiency it brings to your document management. With a few simple steps, you'll be able to access and organize your SharePoint files just like any other folder on your computer.