How To Sync Sharepoint To Windows Explorer

Are you tired of toggling between Sharepoint and Windows Explorer to access your files? Well, you're in luck! There is a way to sync Sharepoint to Windows Explorer, making it easier than ever to manage your documents. No longer do you have to navigate multiple platforms to find what you're looking for. With this simple solution, your files will be at your fingertips.

By syncing Sharepoint to Windows Explorer, you can streamline your workflow and improve productivity. Imagine being able to access all your Sharepoint files directly from your file explorer, without the need for internet connectivity. This integration not only saves time but also provides a seamless experience for users who are accustomed to working with Windows Explorer. Syncing Sharepoint to Windows Explorer is a game-changer that eliminates the need for switching between platforms and enhances collaboration among team members.

Introduction: What is Sharepoint and Windows Explorer?

Sharepoint is a web-based collaboration and document management platform developed by Microsoft. It enables organizations to store, organize, share, and access documents, files, and other content securely. Windows Explorer, on the other hand, is a file management tool native to the Windows operating system. It allows users to browse and manage files and folders on their computer.

Syncing Sharepoint to Windows Explorer can offer numerous benefits, such as easier access to files, offline availability, and seamless collaboration with others. In this article, we will explore the process of syncing Sharepoint to Windows Explorer, providing you with a step-by-step guide to effectively manage and access your Sharepoint files right from your computer.

Step 1: Prepare Your Sharepoint Site

The first step in syncing Sharepoint to Windows Explorer is to ensure that your Sharepoint site is set up correctly. Make sure you have the necessary permissions to sync files and folders. If you don't have the required access, reach out to your Sharepoint administrator or site owner to grant you the appropriate permissions.

Next, navigate to your Sharepoint site and locate the document library or folder you want to sync. It could be an existing library or a new one that you create. Create a new library if needed and organize it according to your preferences.

It is also important to consider the size of the files and folders you intend to sync. Large folders or excessive files may lead to syncing issues or slow performance. Consider organizing your content into smaller folders and removing any unnecessary files to optimize the syncing process.

Step 1.1: Enable Syncing Feature

Before you can sync Sharepoint to Windows Explorer, ensure that the syncing feature is enabled for your Sharepoint site. To do this:

• Go to your Sharepoint site
• Click on Settings
• Select Library settings
• Under General Settings, click on "Offline Client Availability"
• Ensure that the "Offline client availability" option is set to "Yes"

Enabling this feature allows you to sync the Sharepoint library or folder to your Windows Explorer for offline access and synchronization.

Step 1.2: Check File Types

Sharepoint has limitations on the types of files that can be synced. Ensure that the file types you wish to sync are supported by Sharepoint. Some file formats, such as .pst (Outlook Data Files), .tmp (temporary files), and .aspx (web pages), cannot be synced.

If your file types are supported, you can proceed to the next step. If not, consider converting the files to supported formats or finding alternative ways to access and manage them.

Step 1.3: Install OneDrive Sync Client

To sync Sharepoint to Windows Explorer, you need to install the OneDrive Sync client on your computer. The OneDrive Sync client is responsible for establishing the connection and keeping your Sharepoint files synchronized with your Windows Explorer.

Visit the Microsoft website or search for "OneDrive Sync Client" to download and install the appropriate version of the client for your operating system. Once installed, sign in using your Microsoft or organizational account associated with Sharepoint.

With these initial steps completed, you are ready to proceed with syncing Sharepoint to your Windows Explorer.

Step 2: Sync Sharepoint to Windows Explorer

In this step, we will guide you through the process of syncing Sharepoint to Windows Explorer using the OneDrive Sync client.

Note: The exact steps may vary slightly depending on the version of the OneDrive Sync client and your operating system.

Step 2.1: Open OneDrive Sync Client

Locate the OneDrive Sync client on your computer. It is typically located in the system tray, near the date and time. Click on the OneDrive icon to open the client.

If you don't see the OneDrive icon, you may need to search for it in the Start menu or launch it from your Applications folder.

Step 2.2: Sign in to OneDrive Sync Client

Once you have opened the OneDrive Sync client, sign in using your Microsoft or organizational account associated with Sharepoint. Enter your email address and password, and click Sign In. If prompted, complete any additional authentication steps.

If you are already signed in to Microsoft services on your computer, you may not need to enter your credentials again.

Step 2.3: Sync Sharepoint Library to Windows Explorer

Once you are signed in to the OneDrive Sync client, you can proceed to select the Sharepoint library or folder you want to sync to your Windows Explorer.

1. Click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray to open the client.

2. Click on the "..." (ellipsis) icon in the client window.

3. Select "Sync a library" or "Sync a folder," depending on your client version.

4. Choose the Sharepoint library or folder you want to sync from the list of available sites and libraries.

5. Click "Sync Now" or "Start Sync" to initiate the synchronization process.

The OneDrive Sync client will then start syncing the selected library or folder to your Windows Explorer. You can monitor the progress of the sync in the client window.

Once the sync is complete, you can access and manage your Sharepoint files and folders conveniently from your Windows Explorer.

Step 3: Manage Synced Sharepoint Files

Syncing Sharepoint to Windows Explorer allows you to work with your Sharepoint files just like any other files on your computer. You can perform various operations such as creating new files and folders, renaming, moving, copying, and deleting files and folders.

Step 3.1: Opening and Editing Files

To open a file synced from Sharepoint:

• Open Windows Explorer
• Navigate to the synced Sharepoint library or folder
• Double-click on the file to open it in the default application associated with its file type

Edit the file as needed, and the changes will be automatically synced back to Sharepoint when you are connected to the internet.

Step 3.2: Creating and Managing Files and Folders

To create a new file or folder in a synced Sharepoint library or folder:

• Open Windows Explorer
• Navigate to the synced Sharepoint library or folder
• Right-click in the empty space and select "New" to create a new file or folder
• Enter the desired name for the file or folder
• Press Enter to save the changes

You can also perform other file management operations such as renaming, moving, copying, and deleting files and folders in the same manner as you would with any other files on your computer.

Step 4: Syncing and Resolving Conflicts

The OneDrive Sync client automatically syncs your Sharepoint files in the background, ensuring that any changes made locally or on Sharepoint are reflected in both locations. However, conflicts may arise when modifications are made to the same file simultaneously on different devices or by different users.

Step 4.1: Resolving Conflicts

If a conflict occurs, the OneDrive Sync client will notify you and create a separate copy of the conflicted file. To resolve conflicts:

1. Open Windows Explorer

2. Navigate to the folder containing the conflicted file

3. Look for files ending with "conflict" or "name-conflict" in the file name

4. Review the conflicted files and determine which version to keep

5. Rename or delete the conflicting files as desired

Regularly check for conflicts and resolve them promptly to ensure the accuracy and integrity of your Sharepoint files.

Exploring Advanced Syncing Options

In addition to the basic syncing process described above, there are various advanced options and features that can enhance your experience when syncing Sharepoint to Windows Explorer. Let's explore some of these options:

Selective Sync

The Selective Sync feature allows you to choose which folders within a Sharepoint library to sync to your Windows Explorer. This can be useful when dealing with large libraries or when you only need to work with specific folders.

To enable Selective Sync:

• Open the OneDrive Sync client
• Click on the "..." (ellipsis) icon
• Select "Settings"
• Choose the "Account" tab
• Click on "Choose folders"
• Select the folders you want to sync from the list
• Click "OK"

The selected folders will be synced to your Windows Explorer, while the remaining folders will not be visible or accessible on your computer. You can change this selection at any time using the same steps.

Offline Access and Sync Status

The OneDrive Sync client provides information about the sync status of your Sharepoint library or folder and allows you to control offline availability.

To access sync status and manage offline availability:

• Open the OneDrive Sync client
• Click on the "..." (ellipsis) icon
• Select "View sync status"
• Under "Sync status," you can see the progress and status of the sync
• Under "Offline Availability," you can toggle the switch to make the library or folder available offline

Enabling offline availability ensures that you can access and work with your Sharepoint files even when you are not connected to the internet. Changes made in offline mode will sync back to Sharepoint when you regain internet connectivity.

Conclusion

Syncing Sharepoint to Windows Explorer provides a seamless way to access, manage, and collaborate on your Sharepoint files directly from your computer. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can effectively sync your Sharepoint site, ensuring offline availability and staying up-to-date with the latest changes. Additionally, exploring advanced options such as Selective Sync and offline access further enhances your Sharepoint syncing experience. Now, you can streamline your workflow and enjoy the benefits of easy file management and collaboration with Sharepoint and Windows Explorer.

Syncing Sharepoint to Windows Explorer

Syncing Sharepoint to Windows Explorer allows you to access and manage your Sharepoint files directly from your desktop. To sync Sharepoint to Windows Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Install OneDrive for Business: Download and install the OneDrive for Business application on your computer.

2. Sign in to your Sharepoint account: Open OneDrive for Business and sign in with your Sharepoint account credentials.

3. Sync Sharepoint library: Select the Sharepoint library you want to sync, right-click, and choose "Sync". The library will now appear in your Windows Explorer under "OneDrive for Business".

4. Access and manage files: You can now access and manage your Sharepoint files just like any other files in Windows Explorer. Any changes made will be automatically synced back to Sharepoint.

By syncing Sharepoint to Windows Explorer, you can easily work with your Sharepoint files without the need for a web browser. This simplifies file management and allows for offline access to your files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Syncing Sharepoint to Windows Explorer allows for easy access and file management of Sharepoint documents directly from your computer. Here are some commonly asked questions regarding this process:

1. Can Sharepoint be synced to Windows Explorer?

Yes, Sharepoint can be easily synced to Windows Explorer. By syncing Sharepoint libraries to your computer, you can access and manage your documents as if they were stored locally. To sync Sharepoint to Windows Explorer, open your Sharepoint site in a web browser and navigate to the library you want to sync. Click on the "Sync" button in the Sharepoint toolbar, and the library will be added to your Windows Explorer as a synced folder.

2. How do I sync a Sharepoint document library to Windows Explorer?

To sync a Sharepoint document library to Windows Explorer, follow these steps: 1. Open your Sharepoint site in a web browser. 2. Navigate to the document library you want to sync. 3. Click on the "Sync" button in the Sharepoint toolbar. 4. If prompted, choose to open the file with the "OneDrive for Business" application. 5. The library will be added to your Windows Explorer as a synced folder.

3. Can I sync multiple Sharepoint libraries to Windows Explorer?

Yes, you can sync multiple Sharepoint libraries to Windows Explorer. You can sync as many libraries as you need, allowing for easy access and management of all your Sharepoint documents. To sync multiple libraries, simply repeat the process of syncing a Sharepoint document library to Windows Explorer for each library you want to sync.

4. Can I access synced Sharepoint libraries offline?

Yes, you can access synced Sharepoint libraries offline. When you sync a Sharepoint library to Windows Explorer, a local copy of the library's files is stored on your computer. This allows you to access and work with the documents even when you are offline. Any changes made to the documents while offline will automatically sync back to Sharepoint once you are connected to the internet.

5. How do I unsync a Sharepoint library from Windows Explorer?

To unsync a Sharepoint library from Windows Explorer, follow these steps: 1. Open Windows Explorer. 2. Right-click on the synced Sharepoint library folder. 3. Select "Settings" from the context menu. 4. In the Settings window, click on the "Account" tab. 5. Click on the "Stop syncing" button. 6. Confirm the action when prompted. 7. The Sharepoint library will be unsynced from your Windows Explorer. Unsyncing a library will remove the local copy of the files from your computer, but the files will remain accessible in Sharepoint.

In conclusion, syncing SharePoint to Windows Explorer can greatly enhance your productivity and make accessing your files more convenient. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily set up this synchronization and have seamless access to your SharePoint files within Windows Explorer.

Syncing SharePoint to Windows Explorer allows you to work with your SharePoint files just like any other files on your computer. This integration makes it easier to manage and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and other files stored in SharePoint, without the need for constant browser navigation. Take advantage of this feature and streamline your workflow by syncing SharePoint to Windows Explorer today.