SharePoint

How To Get Sharepoint In Windows Explorer

Are you tired of manually navigating through folders and files in SharePoint? Did you know that there is a way to access SharePoint directly from Windows Explorer? This handy feature allows you to seamlessly integrate SharePoint into your existing file management system, making it easier than ever to organize and access your documents.

To get SharePoint in Windows Explorer, you just need to map a network drive to your SharePoint site. By doing so, you can view and manage files in SharePoint just like you would on your local drive. This not only saves you time but also enhances collaboration by enabling seamless document sharing and synchronization across your team.



How To Get Sharepoint In Windows Explorer

Understanding Sharepoint in Windows Explorer

SharePoint is a powerful collaboration platform that allows organizations to manage documents, share information, and collaborate on projects. One of the convenient ways to access SharePoint is through Windows Explorer, which provides a familiar interface for file management. In this article, we will explore how to get SharePoint in Windows Explorer, enabling you to easily navigate and work with your SharePoint files.

Setting Up SharePoint in Windows Explorer

Before you can access SharePoint in Windows Explorer, you need to set up the necessary configurations. Follow these steps to get started:

  • Open Internet Explorer and go to your SharePoint site.
  • Click on "Library" in the top navigation menu.
  • From the "Library" tab, click on "Open with Explorer" in the "Connect & Export" section. This will open File Explorer with the SharePoint library displayed.
  • In File Explorer, click on the "Library" tab and select "Open in Explorer" to add the SharePoint library as a favorite in the left-hand navigation pane of Windows Explorer.

Mapping SharePoint as a Network Drive

If you frequently access SharePoint, you can map it as a network drive in Windows Explorer for quicker and easier access. Here's how:

  • Navigate to your SharePoint site in Internet Explorer.
  • From the "Library" tab, click on "Open with Explorer" in the "Connect & Export" section. The SharePoint library will open in File Explorer.
  • In the File Explorer window, click on the "Library" tab and select "Map Network Drive".
  • In the "Map Network Drive" window, select the drive letter you want to assign to the SharePoint library.
  • Click on the "Finish" button to complete the mapping process.

Syncing SharePoint Documents to File Explorer

Another way to access SharePoint files in Windows Explorer is by syncing them. This allows you to work with your files even when offline. Here's how to sync SharePoint documents to File Explorer:

  • Go to your SharePoint site in Internet Explorer.
  • Click on the "Library" tab and select "Open with Explorer".
  • In the File Explorer window, click on the "Library" tab and select "Sync".
  • Follow the prompts to sign in with your SharePoint credentials and choose the location on your computer where you want to sync the files.
  • Once the synchronization is complete, you can access the synced SharePoint files in File Explorer even when you are offline.

Troubleshooting SharePoint in Windows Explorer

If you encounter any issues while trying to access SharePoint in Windows Explorer, here are some troubleshooting tips:

Ensure SharePoint ActiveX Control is Enabled

In order to use SharePoint in Windows Explorer, the SharePoint ActiveX control needs to be enabled. Follow these steps to check if it is enabled:

  • Open Internet Explorer and go to the "Tools" menu.
  • Select "Manage Add-ons" and navigate to "Toolbars and Extensions".
  • Locate the "Microsoft SharePoint Foundation Support" add-on and make sure it is enabled.

Clear Internet Explorer Cache

If you are experiencing issues with SharePoint in Windows Explorer, clearing the Internet Explorer cache can help. Here's how to do it:

  • Open Internet Explorer and go to the "Tools" menu.
  • Select "Internet Options" and navigate to the "General" tab.
  • Under the "Browsing history" section, click on the "Delete" button.
  • Check the box next to "Temporary Internet files" and click on the "Delete" button.

Check SharePoint Permissions

If you are unable to access SharePoint in Windows Explorer, double-check that you have the necessary permissions. Contact your SharePoint administrator if you need to be granted access or if you're encountering any permission-related issues.

Exploring SharePoint Features in Windows Explorer

In addition to basic file management, SharePoint in Windows Explorer offers a range of powerful features that enhance collaboration and productivity. Here are some key features you can leverage:

Drag and Drop Files

One of the most convenient features of SharePoint in Windows Explorer is the ability to drag and drop files directly into SharePoint libraries. This makes it easy to add and organize documents without the need to manually upload them through the browser interface.

Bulk Editing

With SharePoint in Windows Explorer, you can perform bulk editing operations on files and folders. This includes renaming multiple files, moving them to different folders, and deleting them in one go. It streamlines the management of large document libraries and saves you valuable time.

Integration with Microsoft Office

SharePoint in Windows Explorer seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This allows you to open and edit SharePoint documents directly from Office applications, making it effortless to collaborate on files stored in SharePoint libraries.

Version Control

Version control is a crucial aspect of document management, and SharePoint in Windows Explorer provides robust versioning capabilities. You can easily view and restore previous versions of files, track changes made by collaborators, and maintain a complete history of document revisions.

Metadata Management

SharePoint in Windows Explorer enables you to manage metadata for your documents. You can add and modify metadata properties directly from the Windows Explorer interface, making it convenient to classify and organize your files according to your organization's taxonomy.

Unlocking the Potential of SharePoint in Windows Explorer

Getting SharePoint to work seamlessly with Windows Explorer opens up a world of possibilities for efficient collaboration and document management. By following the steps outlined in this article and leveraging the powerful features offered by SharePoint in Windows Explorer, you can streamline your workflow, improve productivity, and empower your team to work more effectively.


How To Get Sharepoint In Windows Explorer

Getting Sharepoint in Windows Explorer

If you are a professional looking to access Sharepoint in Windows Explorer, you can follow these steps:

1. Open Internet Explorer and log into your Sharepoint account.

2. Navigate to the desired Sharepoint document library or folder.

3. Click on the "Library" tab and select "Open with Explorer" from the "Connect & Export" group.

4. A Windows Explorer window will open, displaying the Sharepoint document library or folder like a regular folder on your computer.

5. You can now perform actions such as copying, moving, deleting, or renaming files and folders in Sharepoint using the familiar Windows Explorer interface.

Note that this method requires Internet Explorer and may not work with other web browsers. Additionally, you must have appropriate permissions to access the Sharepoint site and document libraries.


Key Takeaways - How to Get Sharepoint in Windows Explorer

  • Sharepoint can be accessed in Windows Explorer by mapping it as a network drive.
  • To map Sharepoint as a network drive, open File Explorer and click on "This PC".
  • Click on "Map network drive" and choose a drive letter.
  • Enter the URL of your Sharepoint site in the "Folder" field and click "Finish".
  • The mapped Sharepoint drive will now appear in Windows Explorer for easy access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sharepoint is a powerful collaboration and document management platform. Integrating it with Windows Explorer can greatly enhance your productivity. Here are some commonly asked questions about how to get Sharepoint in Windows Explorer.

1. How can I access Sharepoint in Windows Explorer?

To access Sharepoint in Windows Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Open Internet Explorer and go to the Sharepoint website.

2. Log in to your Sharepoint account using your credentials.

3. Navigate to the library or folder you want to access in Windows Explorer.

4. Click on the "Open with Explorer" option in the "Library" or "Folder" tab.

5. If prompted, click "Allow" to enable the Sharepoint ActiveX controls.

2. Can I map Sharepoint to a drive in Windows Explorer?

Yes, you can map Sharepoint to a drive in Windows Explorer. Here's how:

1. Open Internet Explorer and go to the Sharepoint website.

2. Log in to your Sharepoint account using your credentials.

3. Navigate to the library or folder you want to map to a drive.

4. Click on the "Library" or "Folder" tab.

5. Click on the "Open with Explorer" option.

6. In the Windows Explorer window, click on the "Library" or "Folder" tab again.

7. Click on the "Map Network Drive" option.

8. Select a drive letter and enter the network location as the Sharepoint library or folder URL.

9. Click "Finish" to map the Sharepoint library or folder to a drive in Windows Explorer.

3. How can I synchronize Sharepoint files with Windows Explorer?

To synchronize Sharepoint files with Windows Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Open Internet Explorer and go to the Sharepoint website.

2. Log in to your Sharepoint account using your credentials.

3. Navigate to the library you want to synchronize in Windows Explorer.

4. Click on the "Library" tab and select "Open with Explorer".

5. In the Windows Explorer window, click on the "Library" tab again.

6. Click on the "Connect & Export" button and choose "Connect to Outlook".

7. Follow the prompts to connect Sharepoint to Outlook.

8. In Outlook, go to the Sharepoint folder and click on the "File" tab.

9. Select "Options" and go to the "Advanced" section.

10. Under "Offline Settings", check the box for "Use Cached Exchange Mode".

11. Click "OK" to synchronize the Sharepoint files with Windows Explorer.

4. Can I search documents in Sharepoint using Windows Explorer?

Yes, you can search documents in Sharepoint using Windows Explorer. Here's how:

1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the mapped Sharepoint drive or library.

2. In the search bar at the top right, enter your search query.

3. Press Enter to initiate the search.

4. Windows Explorer will display the search results matching your query within the Sharepoint drive or library.

5. How do I stop syncing Sharepoint libraries with Windows Explorer?

To stop syncing Sharepoint libraries with Windows Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray of your computer.

2. Select "Settings" from the menu.

3. Go to the "Account" tab.

4. Under the "Folder" section, click on "Stop sync" next to the Sharepoint library you want to stop syncing.

5. Confirm the action by clicking "Stop syncing" in the confirmation prompt.



In conclusion, getting SharePoint in Windows Explorer is a simple process that can greatly enhance your productivity and collaboration capabilities. By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be able to access your SharePoint files and folders directly from the Windows Explorer interface, making it easier to manage and organize your documents.

Remember to ensure that you have the necessary permissions and access credentials to connect to your SharePoint site. Additionally, make sure that you have the required software and version compatibility for seamless integration. By leveraging the power of SharePoint in Windows Explorer, you can streamline your workflow and efficiently work with your SharePoint documents.


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