How To Browse Sharepoint In Windows Explorer

Browsing SharePoint in Windows Explorer allows for seamless navigation and easy access to files and folders within the SharePoint document library. This feature provides a familiar and efficient way to view, edit, and manage your SharePoint content directly from your Windows File Explorer window.

By integrating SharePoint with Windows Explorer, users can take advantage of the robust capabilities of both platforms. With just a few simple steps, you can streamline your workflow, improve productivity, and enhance collaboration within your organization.

Understanding Sharepoint and Windows Explorer Integration

SharePoint is a powerful collaboration platform developed by Microsoft that allows organizations to store, organize, and share information and documents. It provides a centralized location for teams to collaborate and access important files. While SharePoint has its own web interface, it can also be accessed through Windows Explorer, providing a familiar and convenient way to browse SharePoint libraries and folders as if they were local directories on your computer. In this article, we will explore how to browse SharePoint in Windows Explorer, taking advantage of this integration for seamless file management and collaboration.

Requirements for Browsing SharePoint in Windows Explorer

Before we dive into the steps of browsing SharePoint in Windows Explorer, let's first ensure that you meet the necessary requirements:

• A Windows operating system (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, or Windows 7)
• Internet Explorer 11 or Microsoft Edge browser installed on your computer
• Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration must be turned off
• Active internet connection
• Access to a SharePoint site with appropriate permissions

Once you have confirmed that you meet all the requirements, you are ready to proceed with browsing SharePoint in Windows Explorer.

Steps to Browse SharePoint in Windows Explorer

Follow the step-by-step guide below to browse SharePoint in Windows Explorer:

Step 1: Open Internet Explorer

To begin, open the Internet Explorer browser on your computer. If you are using Windows 10, you can search for "Internet Explorer" in the Start menu and select it from the search results. If you are using an older version of Windows, you can typically find Internet Explorer in the Start menu or on your desktop.

Step 2: Navigate to Your SharePoint Site

Enter the URL of your SharePoint site in the address bar of the Internet Explorer browser and press Enter. You may need to authenticate using your username and password to access the site.

Once you have successfully accessed your SharePoint site through Internet Explorer, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Open the Library in Windows Explorer

In the SharePoint site, navigate to the library or folder that you want to browse in Windows Explorer.

Click on the "Library" tab in the ribbon at the top of the page and select "Open with Explorer" from the "Open" drop-down menu. If you are using a modern version of SharePoint, you may find this option under the "Library Tools" or "Library" tab.

A Windows Explorer window will open, displaying the contents of the selected library or folder.

Step 4: Explore and Manage Files in Windows Explorer

You can now navigate, search, and manage files in Windows Explorer, just like you would with any other folder on your computer. You can perform various actions such as create folders, upload files, rename files, delete files, and move files within the SharePoint library.

Remember that any changes made within Windows Explorer will be reflected in the SharePoint library and vice versa, ensuring real-time synchronization of files and folders.

Benefits of Browsing SharePoint in Windows Explorer

Browsing SharePoint in Windows Explorer offers several benefits, including:

• Familiar user interface: Windows Explorer provides a familiar interface for file management, making it easier for users to navigate and work with SharePoint libraries and folders.
• Seamless integration: By accessing SharePoint through Windows Explorer, users can seamlessly integrate SharePoint files with their local files, allowing them to work offline or sync files to their desktop.
• Efficient file management: Windows Explorer offers advanced file management capabilities, such as drag-and-drop functionality, bulk file operations, and customizable folder views, which can enhance productivity and streamline file management tasks.
• Offline access: When browsing SharePoint in Windows Explorer, users can access files even when they are offline, making it convenient for remote work or areas with limited internet connectivity.

Alternative Methods to Browse SharePoint in Windows Explorer

In addition to the method described above, there are a couple of alternative methods to browse SharePoint in Windows Explorer:

Method 1: Mapping a Network Drive

You can map a SharePoint library or folder to a network drive on your computer, allowing you to access and interact with the SharePoint files as if they were stored on a local drive. To do this, follow these steps:

• Open Windows Explorer and click on "This PC" or "Computer" to see the available drives.
• Click on "Map Network Drive" in the ribbon at the top of the window.
• In the "Map Network Drive" dialog box, select a drive letter for the network drive.
• Enter the URL of the SharePoint site in the "Folder" field or click on "Browse" to locate the library or folder.
• Click "Finish" to map the network drive.

Once the network drive is mapped, you can access the SharePoint files through Windows Explorer by navigating to the assigned drive letter.

Method 2: Using OneDrive Sync

If you are using OneDrive for Business, you can sync your SharePoint files to your local computer using the OneDrive sync client. This allows you to access and work with the files directly from File Explorer, even when you are offline. Follow these steps to set up sync:

• Open the SharePoint library or folder you want to sync.
• Click on the "Sync" button in the SharePoint toolbar.
• Follow the prompts to set up sync with OneDrive for Business.
• Once the sync is complete, the SharePoint files will be accessible through File Explorer on your computer.

Syncing SharePoint files with OneDrive allows for easy offline access and automatic synchronization of changes made locally or in SharePoint.

Browsing SharePoint in Windows Explorer provides a convenient way to manage and collaborate on files stored in SharePoint. Whether you choose to use the built-in integration or alternative methods, the ability to access SharePoint libraries and folders through Windows Explorer offers a familiar and efficient experience for users.

Browsing Sharepoint in Windows Explorer

Sharepoint is a web-based platform designed to facilitate collaboration and document management within organizations. While most users are familiar with accessing Sharepoint through a web browser, it is also possible to browse Sharepoint sites using Windows Explorer. This can provide a more familiar and convenient interface for managing and navigating through files and folders.

To browse Sharepoint in Windows Explorer, follow these steps:

• Open Windows Explorer on your computer.
• Enter the Sharepoint site's address in the address bar. It should be in the format of "https://sharepointsiteaddress".
• Press Enter to access the Sharepoint site.
• You can now navigate through the site's folders and files, just like you would on your computer's file system.
• You can upload, download, copy, move, and delete files and folders in Sharepoint using the familiar drag-and-drop or right-click options.

Browsing Sharepoint in Windows Explorer can greatly improve productivity and make it easier to manage files and collaborate with others. It provides a seamless integration between Sharepoint and your local computer, allowing you to work more efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sharepoint is a powerful collaboration platform used by many organizations to store and manage documents and files. One convenient way to browse Sharepoint is through Windows Explorer, allowing you to access and work with files directly from your desktop. Here are some common questions about browsing Sharepoint in Windows Explorer.

1. How do I access Sharepoint in Windows Explorer?

To access Sharepoint in Windows Explorer, you need to map a network drive to your Sharepoint site. Here's how:

1. Open Windows Explorer on your computer.

2. Click on the "Computer" tab in the ribbon menu.

3. Click on "Map network drive".

4. In the "Drive" field, select a drive letter.

5. In the "Folder" field, enter the URL of your Sharepoint site, starting with "https://".

6. Check the box that says "Connect using different credentials" if you want to use a different set of credentials to access Sharepoint.

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

2. Can I browse multiple Sharepoint sites in Windows Explorer?

Yes, you can browse multiple Sharepoint sites in Windows Explorer by mapping a network drive for each site. Follow the same steps mentioned in the previous question for each Sharepoint site you want to access in Windows Explorer.

3. How do I upload files to Sharepoint using Windows Explorer?

To upload files to Sharepoint using Windows Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the mapped network drive for your Sharepoint site.

2. Find the folder where you want to upload the files.

3. Simply drag and drop the files from your local computer into the folder in Windows Explorer. The files will be uploaded to Sharepoint.

4. Can I synchronize Sharepoint files with my local computer?

Yes, you can synchronize Sharepoint files with your local computer using OneDrive for Business. Here's how:

1. Install the OneDrive for Business sync client on your computer.

2. Sign in with your Sharepoint credentials.

3. Select the folders you want to synchronize with your computer.

4. The selected folders and files will be synchronized and accessible through Windows Explorer.

5. How do I remove the mapped network drive for Sharepoint in Windows Explorer?

To remove the mapped network drive for Sharepoint in Windows Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Open Windows Explorer on your computer.

2. Click on the "Computer" tab in the ribbon menu.

3. Click on "Map network drive".

4. Select the mapped network drive you want to remove.

5. Click on "Disconnect network drive" to remove the mapping.

In today's article, we have explored the steps to browse Sharepoint in Windows Explorer. By following these simple instructions, you can easily access your Sharepoint files and folders just like any other file directory on your computer.

First, we discussed the importance of having the correct version of Internet Explorer installed. Then, we learned how to enable the WebClient service, which is essential for accessing Sharepoint using Windows Explorer. Finally, we explored the process of mapping a network drive to your Sharepoint site.