How To Open Sharepoint Document Library In Windows Explorer

Opening a SharePoint Document Library in Windows Explorer can greatly streamline the process of accessing and managing files. With just a few simple steps, you can experience the convenience and efficiency of navigating and organizing your documents in a familiar file explorer interface.

By connecting SharePoint to Windows Explorer, you can easily drag and drop files, create folders, and perform other file management tasks with ease. This integration provides a seamless bridge between the power of SharePoint's collaborative capabilities and the familiarity of the Windows operating system, enhancing productivity and saving time for professionals across various industries.

Introduction

SharePoint is a web-based collaboration platform used by many organizations to store, organize, and share documents. It offers a Document Library feature that allows users to access and manage files. One convenient way to interact with SharePoint Document Libraries is by opening them in Windows Explorer, providing a familiar interface and file management experience. In this article, we will explore how to open SharePoint Document Libraries in Windows Explorer and take advantage of its functionalities.

Understanding SharePoint Document Libraries

Before we dive into the process of opening SharePoint Document Libraries in Windows Explorer, let's briefly understand what a Document Library is. In SharePoint, a Document Library is a location or container where files are stored and organized. It provides various features such as version control, metadata, workflows, and permissions to manage documents effectively.

Document Libraries resemble traditional file folders, allowing users to create, upload, edit, and delete files. However, SharePoint Document Libraries offer additional collaborative features such as real-time co-authoring, simultaneous editing, and integration with other SharePoint functionalities.

By opening a SharePoint Document Library in Windows Explorer, users can gain a more seamless and familiar file management experience. They can perform tasks such as copying, moving, and organizing files using the native functionalities of Windows Explorer.

Preparing SharePoint and Windows Explorer for Connection

Before you can open a SharePoint Document Library in Windows Explorer, there are a few prerequisites:

• Ensure that you have proper permissions to access the SharePoint Document Library. Talk to your SharePoint administrator if you encounter any permission issues.
• Make sure that you are using a supported browser, such as Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge, as the connection between SharePoint and Windows Explorer relies on the WebClient service.
• Enable the WebClient service on your computer. To do this:
  • Press the Windows key and R key simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type "services.msc" and press Enter.
  • In the Services window, scroll down and find the WebClient service.
  • Right-click on WebClient and select Properties.
  • Set the Startup type to Automatic and click on Apply.
  • If the service is not already running, click on Start.
  • Click OK to save the changes.

Opening SharePoint Document Library in Windows Explorer

Once you have fulfilled the prerequisites, follow the steps below to open a SharePoint Document Library in Windows Explorer:

• Navigate to your SharePoint site that contains the Document Library you want to open in Windows Explorer.
• Click on the "Documents" or "Site Contents" link in the navigation menu to access the Document Library.
• In the Document Library, click on the "Library" tab at the top of the page.
• Under the "Connect & Export" section, click on the "Open with Explorer" option.
• A confirmation prompt may appear, asking for permission to open Windows Explorer. Click on "Allow" or "Yes" to proceed.
• Windows Explorer will launch, displaying the contents of the SharePoint Document Library. You can now interact with the files as you would with any other files on your computer.

It is important to note that the SharePoint Document Library opened in Windows Explorer is essentially a mapped network drive that provides direct access to the SharePoint site. Any changes made to files in Windows Explorer will reflect in the Document Library and vice versa.

Benefits of Opening SharePoint Document Libraries in Windows Explorer

Opening SharePoint Document Libraries in Windows Explorer offers several benefits:

• Familiar Interface: Users who are accustomed to working with files in Windows Explorer will find it more intuitive and easier to manage documents in SharePoint.
• Enhanced File Management Features: Windows Explorer provides advanced file management capabilities such as copying, moving, and renaming files, making it convenient to organize and manipulate documents within SharePoint.
• Offline Access: Opening SharePoint Document Libraries in Windows Explorer allows users to access files even when they are offline, making it ideal for remote or disconnected situations.
• Improved Performance: In some cases, working with files in Windows Explorer might provide faster performance compared to accessing the files directly through a web browser.

Exploring Additional Features of Opening SharePoint Document Libraries in Windows Explorer

Beyond the core functionalities of file management, there are several additional features and capabilities that users can leverage when opening SharePoint Document Libraries in Windows Explorer:

Drag-and-Drop File Upload

When working with SharePoint Document Libraries in Windows Explorer, users can easily upload files to the library by utilizing the drag-and-drop functionality. Simply drag the desired files from your computer's file explorer window and drop them into the SharePoint Document Library in Windows Explorer. This method provides a quick and efficient way to upload multiple files at once.

Mapping SharePoint Document Library as a Network Drive

If you frequently access a specific SharePoint Document Library, you can map it as a network drive in Windows Explorer. This allows you to have direct access to the Document Library without navigating through the SharePoint site each time. It provides even more convenience and enables you to treat the Document Library like a regular drive on your computer.

To map a SharePoint Document Library as a network drive:

• Open the SharePoint Document Library in Windows Explorer using the steps mentioned earlier.
• In Windows Explorer, click on the "Library" tab at the top of the page.
• Under the "Connect & Export" section, click on the "Open with Explorer" option.
• Once the Document Library is opened, click on the "Library" tab again.
• Click on the "Open with Explorer" option.
• In the new Windows Explorer window that opens, click on the "Library" tab once more.
• Click on the "Map network drive" option.
• Follow the prompts to assign a drive letter, set the folder name, and configure other settings for the mapped network drive.
• Click Finish to complete the mapping process.

The SharePoint Document Library will now appear as a network drive in Windows Explorer, allowing you to access it directly and quickly.

Syncing SharePoint Document Libraries with OneDrive

Another powerful feature available when opening SharePoint Document Libraries in Windows Explorer is the ability to sync them with the Microsoft OneDrive sync client. Syncing a Document Library allows you to access and work on the files offline, and any changes made will automatically synchronize with the SharePoint site when an internet connection is available.

To sync a SharePoint Document Library with OneDrive:

• Open the SharePoint Document Library in Windows Explorer using the steps mentioned earlier.
• In the Windows Explorer window, click on the "Library" tab at the top of the page.
• Under the "Connect & Export" section, click on the "Open with Explorer" option.
• In the newly opened Windows Explorer, click on the "Library" tab again.
• Click on the "Open with Explorer" option once more.
• In the Windows Explorer window, click on the "Library" tab for the last time.
• Click on the "Sync" option.
  • If prompted, sign in with your Microsoft account associated with OneDrive.
  • Follow the prompts to select the location on your computer where you want to sync the SharePoint Document Library.
  • Click on "Sync Now" to start the synchronization process.

Once the sync is complete, the SharePoint Document Library will appear in the Windows Explorer file directory like any other folder in your OneDrive. Any changes made within the synced folder will be automatically synchronized with the SharePoint site and other devices where you have OneDrive configured.

Accessing SharePoint Document Libraries from File Explorer

With the integration between SharePoint and Microsoft 365, it is possible to access SharePoint Document Libraries directly from the File Explorer in Windows without the need to open them through a web browser. This feature is particularly useful if you frequently work with SharePoint files and want quick access to Document Libraries.

To access SharePoint Document Libraries from File Explorer:

• Open File Explorer on your Windows computer.
• In the left navigation pane, under "Quick Access" or "This PC," click on "Add a network location." This option may be located in different places depending on your Windows version.
• The "Add Network Location" wizard will open. Follow the prompts to configure the network location.
  • Select "Choose a custom network location" and click Next.
  • Enter the URL of your SharePoint site and click Next.
  • Provide a name for the network location and click Next.
  • Click Finish to complete the process.
• After adding the network location, you will see it listed in the File Explorer navigation pane under "This PC" or "Network Locations." Double-clicking on it will open the SharePoint Document Library in Windows Explorer, allowing you to interact with the files as if they were on your local drive.

Conclusion

Opening SharePoint Document Libraries in Windows Explorer is a convenient way to leverage the familiar interface and advanced file management functionalities for efficient document management. By following the steps provided in this article, users can seamlessly access, organize, and manipulate files within SharePoint using the intuitive Windows Explorer interface. Additionally, features like drag-and-drop file upload, mapping Document Libraries as network drives, syncing with OneDrive, and accessing Document Libraries from File Explorer further enhance the capabilities and productivity when collaborating and working with SharePoint documents.

How to Access Sharepoint Document Library in Windows Explorer?

Opening a Sharepoint document library in Windows Explorer allows for easy access and management of files and folders. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• First, open your Sharepoint site in your preferred internet browser.
• Navigate to the document library you want to open in Windows Explorer.
• Click on the "Library" tab in the top ribbon.
• In the "Connect & Export" section, click on "Open with Explorer" button.
• A Windows Explorer window will open, displaying the contents of the document library.
• You can now perform various actions such as copying, moving, and deleting files and folders using familiar Windows Explorer interface.

It is important to note that certain access permissions may be required to open the Sharepoint document library in Windows Explorer. Make sure you have the necessary permissions granted by the site administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about opening Sharepoint Document Library in Windows Explorer:

1. How do I open a Sharepoint Document Library in Windows Explorer?

To open a Sharepoint Document Library in Windows Explorer, follow these steps:

- Open Internet Explorer and navigate to your Sharepoint site.

- Go to the document library you want to open.

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

- In the "Connect & Export" section, click on "Open with Explorer".

- Windows Explorer will open, displaying the contents of the Sharepoint Document Library.

2. Is it possible to open a Sharepoint Document Library in Windows Explorer from a different browser?

No, the option to open a Sharepoint Document Library in Windows Explorer is only available in Internet Explorer. Other browsers, such as Chrome or Firefox, do not have this functionality.

If you need to access a Sharepoint Document Library in Windows Explorer, you will need to use Internet Explorer.

3. Can I open multiple Sharepoint Document Libraries in Windows Explorer at the same time?

Yes, you can open multiple Sharepoint Document Libraries in Windows Explorer at the same time. Each document library will open in a separate Windows Explorer window.

To open another Sharepoint Document Library in Windows Explorer, follow the same steps mentioned earlier for opening a single document library.

4. What can I do in Windows Explorer once I have opened a Sharepoint Document Library?

Once you have opened a Sharepoint Document Library in Windows Explorer, you can perform various actions, such as:

- Drag and drop files and folders to upload them to the document library.

- Rename files and folders.

- Move or copy files and folders between different folders within the document library.

- Delete files and folders.

- Create new folders.

5. Can I access a Sharepoint Document Library in Windows Explorer from any computer?

Yes, you can access a Sharepoint Document Library in Windows Explorer from any computer that has the following requirements:

- Internet Explorer installed.

- Access to the Sharepoint site and the specific document library.

Simply follow the steps mentioned earlier, and you will be able to open the Sharepoint Document Library in Windows Explorer.

In summary, opening a Sharepoint document library in Windows Explorer is a straightforward process that allows you to easily access and manage your files. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can seamlessly integrate Sharepoint with your Windows operating system, providing a familiar and efficient way to work with your documents.

This method not only simplifies file navigation and organization, but it also enables you to utilize the full functionality of Windows Explorer within your Sharepoint document library. Whether you need to bulk upload, download, or update files, you can now do so with ease, saving you time and improving your productivity.