How To Create Sharepoint Shortcut In Windows Explorer

Creating a Sharepoint shortcut in Windows Explorer can be a convenient way to quickly access and manage your Sharepoint files. With just a few simple steps, you can have easy access to your Sharepoint site right from your desktop. No more navigating through multiple folders and webpages to find what you need.

Sharepoint is a powerful collaboration platform used by businesses worldwide, and being able to create shortcuts in Windows Explorer can save you valuable time and effort. Whether you're a team member looking for quick access to shared files or a project manager needing to regularly update documents, creating a Sharepoint shortcut can streamline your workflow and boost your productivity.

Introduction to Creating SharePoint Shortcut in Windows Explorer

SharePoint is a powerful collaboration platform developed by Microsoft that allows teams to share documents, manage projects, and streamline workflows. One convenient feature of SharePoint is the ability to create shortcuts in Windows Explorer, which provide quick access to SharePoint libraries, folders, or files. This article will guide you through the process of creating SharePoint shortcuts in Windows Explorer, allowing you to easily navigate and access your SharePoint content without needing to go through a web browser. Whether you're a SharePoint power user or just starting out, creating shortcuts in Windows Explorer can greatly enhance your productivity and efficiency.

1. Understanding Windows Explorer and SharePoint

Before we dive into creating shortcuts, it's important to have a clear understanding of Windows Explorer and SharePoint. Windows Explorer, also known as File Explorer in newer versions of Windows, is the file management application that allows you to navigate through your computer's files and folders. It provides a graphical interface where you can view, copy, move, and delete files.

SharePoint, on the other hand, is a web-based platform that integrates with Microsoft Office. It allows users to create, store, and manage documents, lists, and other content types in a collaborative environment. SharePoint organizes content into sites, libraries, folders, and files, providing a hierarchical structure that facilitates efficient content management and sharing.

By creating shortcuts in Windows Explorer, you can directly access your SharePoint content without the need to open a web browser and navigate through SharePoint each time. This seamless integration between Windows Explorer and SharePoint makes it easier to work with your team and access the files you need in a more efficient way.

1.1 Benefits of Creating SharePoint Shortcuts in Windows Explorer

Creating SharePoint shortcuts in Windows Explorer offers several benefits:

• Quick access to frequently used SharePoint libraries, folders, or files
• Seamless integration with your local files and folders
• Elimination of the need to open a web browser and navigate through SharePoint
• Improved collaboration and productivity by providing easy access to shared content
• Streamlined workflows and reduced time spent searching for files

1.2 Requirements for Creating SharePoint Shortcuts in Windows Explorer

Before we proceed, there are a few requirements you need to meet in order to create SharePoint shortcuts in Windows Explorer:

• You must have a SharePoint account with the necessary permissions to access and manage the content you want to create shortcuts for.
• You need to be using a Windows operating system.
• Your SharePoint site must be synced with your local computer using the OneDrive sync client.

2. Creating SharePoint Shortcuts in Windows Explorer

Now that you understand the basics of Windows Explorer and SharePoint, let's dive into the process of creating SharePoint shortcuts in Windows Explorer. Follow the step-by-step guide below:

2.1 Syncing SharePoint Site with OneDrive

In order to create shortcuts in Windows Explorer, you first need to sync your SharePoint site with your local computer using the OneDrive sync client. Follow these steps:

• Open your SharePoint site in a web browser.
• Click on the "Sync" or "Sync to computer" button, usually located at the top right corner of the site.
• Follow the prompts to install and set up the OneDrive sync client if you haven't done so already.
• Select the SharePoint libraries or folders you want to sync with your local computer, and click "Sync" or "Start sync".

Once the sync is complete, you will have a local copy of your SharePoint content on your computer, which you can access through Windows Explorer.

2.2 Navigating to SharePoint Content in Windows Explorer

With your SharePoint site synced to your computer, you can now navigate to the desired content in Windows Explorer. Follow these steps:

• Open Windows Explorer by pressing the "Windows" key and "E" key on your keyboard, or by clicking the File Explorer icon in the taskbar.
• In the left sidebar, you should see a section called "Libraries" or "Quick access".
• Expand the section and locate the SharePoint site or library you want to create a shortcut for.
• Click on the SharePoint site or library to view its contents.

You can now browse through the SharePoint site, library, folders, and files in Windows Explorer, just like you would navigate through your local files and folders.

2.3 Creating the SharePoint Shortcut

Now that you are in the desired SharePoint location, you can proceed to create the shortcut in Windows Explorer. Follow these steps:

• Right-click on the SharePoint library, folder, or file you want to create a shortcut for.
• In the context menu that appears, hover over the "Send to" option.
• Click on "Desktop (create shortcut)" or "Documents (create shortcut)" depending on where you want to place the shortcut.

A shortcut to the selected SharePoint content will be created on your desktop or in your documents folder, depending on the option you chose. You can then rename the shortcut to something more meaningful if you wish.

3. Accessing SharePoint Shortcuts in Windows Explorer

Once you have created the SharePoint shortcuts in Windows Explorer, accessing them is simple. Follow these steps:

• Open Windows Explorer by pressing the "Windows" key and "E" key on your keyboard, or by clicking the File Explorer icon in the taskbar.
• In the left sidebar, navigate to the location where you created the SharePoint shortcut (e.g. Desktop or Documents).
• Double-click on the shortcut to open the corresponding SharePoint content directly in your default web browser.

By double-clicking on the shortcut, you will bypass the need to navigate through SharePoint manually and open the desired content with just a few clicks.

4. Managing and Updating SharePoint Shortcuts

As your SharePoint content evolves and updates, you may need to manage and update your shortcuts accordingly. Here are a few tips:

4.1 Deleting SharePoint Shortcuts

If you no longer need a SharePoint shortcut, you can delete it just like any other file or folder in Windows Explorer. Right-click on the shortcut and select "Delete" from the context menu. Confirm the deletion if prompted. The shortcut will be moved to the Recycle Bin, allowing you to restore it if needed.

4.2 Renaming SharePoint Shortcuts

If you want to give your SharePoint shortcut a different name, you can simply right-click on the shortcut and select "Rename" from the context menu. Type in the new name and press "Enter" to save the changes.

4.3 Updating SharePoint Shortcuts

If the location or properties of the SharePoint content associated with a shortcut change, the shortcut may no longer work as expected. In this case, you will need to update the shortcut's target. Right-click on the shortcut, select "Properties" from the context menu, and navigate to the "Shortcut" tab. Click on the "Change Icon" button if needed, and then click on the "Browse" button to navigate to the new location or file and select it as the new target. Click "Apply" and "OK" to save the changes.

Exploring Advanced features of Creating SharePoint Shortcut in Windows Explorer

Now that you're familiar with the basics of creating SharePoint shortcuts in Windows Explorer, let's explore some advanced features that can further enhance your SharePoint experience.

1. Mapping a SharePoint Library as a Network Drive

In addition to creating shortcuts, you can also map a SharePoint library as a network drive, giving you direct access to the library's content through Windows Explorer. Follow these steps:

• Open your SharePoint site in a web browser.
• Navigate to the library you want to map as a network drive.
• Click on the "Library" tab in the ribbon at the top of the page.
• Click on "Open with Explorer".
• Windows Explorer will open, displaying the contents of the library.
• In the Windows Explorer window, click on the "Library" tab in the ribbon.
• Click on "Map Network Drive".
• Choose a drive letter for the network drive and click "Finish".

The SharePoint library will now appear as a network drive in Windows Explorer, allowing you to access and manage its content just like any other drive on your computer.

2. Pinning SharePoint Shortcuts to the Quick Access Toolbar

If you frequently access specific SharePoint libraries, folders, or files, you can pin the corresponding shortcuts to the Quick Access Toolbar in Windows Explorer for even quicker access. Follow these steps:

• Navigate to the SharePoint library, folder, or file you want to pin to the Quick Access Toolbar in Windows Explorer.
• Right-click on the desired item, hover over "Add to Quick Access Toolbar" in the context menu, and select the appropriate option (e.g., "Add Page to Quick Access Toolbar" for libraries, "Add to Quick Access Toolbar" for folders and files).

The corresponding SharePoint shortcut will now appear in the Quick Access Toolbar at the top of the Windows Explorer window, providing one-click access to your frequently used SharePoint content.

3. Searching for SharePoint Content in Windows Explorer

If you need to search for specific SharePoint content in Windows Explorer, you can use the built-in search functionality. Follow these steps:

• Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the location where your SharePoint shortcuts or mapped network drives are located.
• Click on the search box at the top right corner of the window.
• Type in your search query and press "Enter".
• Windows Explorer will display the search results, showing the SharePoint content that matches your search criteria.

This allows you to quickly find the desired SharePoint content without manually browsing through libraries or folders.

Conclusion

Creating SharePoint shortcuts in Windows Explorer is a powerful way to streamline your access to SharePoint content and improve collaboration within your team. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily navigate through your SharePoint libraries, folders, and files directly from Windows Explorer, saving time and increasing productivity. Take advantage of advanced features such as mapping a SharePoint library as a network drive or pinning shortcuts to the Quick Access Toolbar to further enhance your SharePoint experience. Start creating shortcuts today and enjoy a more efficient and seamless workflow with SharePoint and Windows Explorer.

Creating Sharepoint Shortcut in Windows Explorer

Creating a Sharepoint shortcut in Windows Explorer can greatly enhance your productivity by allowing quick and easy access to your Sharepoint files and folders. Here's how you can create a Sharepoint shortcut:

1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the Sharepoint site or document library that you want to create a shortcut for.

2. Right-click on the site or library and select "Copy Shortcut" from the context menu.

3. Navigate to the destination folder where you want to create the shortcut.

4. Right-click on an empty space in the folder and select "Paste Shortcut" from the context menu.

5. The Sharepoint shortcut will now be created in the destination folder, allowing you to access the site or library with just a double-click.

Note that the Sharepoint shortcut will directly open the site or library in your default web browser. You can also rename or move the shortcut like any other file or folder in Windows Explorer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you looking to create a SharePoint shortcut in Windows Explorer? Here are some commonly asked questions to help you through the process.

1. How do I create a SharePoint shortcut in Windows Explorer?

To create a SharePoint shortcut in Windows Explorer, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the SharePoint library or folder you want to create a shortcut for.

Step 2: Right-click on the folder or library and select "Create shortcut" from the context menu.

Step 3: A shortcut will be created in the same location with the suffix "- Shortcut" added to the folder or library name. You can then rename the shortcut as desired.

2. Can I create a SharePoint shortcut for a specific file?

Yes, you can create a SharePoint shortcut for a specific file by following these steps:

Step 1: Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the SharePoint library containing the file.

Step 2: Find the file you want to create a shortcut for and right-click on it.

Step 3: Select "Create shortcut" from the context menu.

Step 4: A shortcut will be created in the same location as the original file. You can then rename the shortcut and move it to a different location if desired.

3. Can I create a SharePoint shortcut on my desktop?

Yes, you can create a SharePoint shortcut on your desktop by following these steps:

Step 1: Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the SharePoint library or folder you want to create a shortcut for.

Step 2: Right-click on the folder or library and select "Create shortcut" from the context menu.

Step 3: The shortcut will be created in the same location as the original folder or library.

Step 4: Locate the shortcut, click and drag it to your desktop.

4. Can I create a SharePoint shortcut in other file explorers?

Yes, you can create a SharePoint shortcut in other file explorers, such as File Explorer in Windows 10, by following similar steps:

Step 1: Open the file explorer of your choice and navigate to the SharePoint library or folder you want to create a shortcut for.

Step 2: Right-click on the folder or library and select "Create shortcut" or a similar option from the context menu.

Step 3: The shortcut will be created in the same location as the original folder or library.

5. Can I create a SharePoint shortcut in a shared network drive?

Yes, you can create a SharePoint shortcut in a shared network drive by following these steps:

Step 1: Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the shared network drive where you want to create the shortcut.

Step 2: Right-click on the location where you want to create the shortcut and select "New" and then "Shortcut" from the context menu.

Step 3: In the "Create Shortcut" window, enter the URL or path to the SharePoint library or folder and click "Next."

Step 4: Enter a name for the shortcut and click "Finish."

Step 5: The SharePoint shortcut will be created in the shared network drive.

To summarize, creating a SharePoint shortcut in Windows Explorer is a convenient way to access your SharePoint sites and folders directly from your desktop. By following a few simple steps, you can easily navigate to your SharePoint content without having to open your browser or go through multiple clicks.

First, open Windows Explorer and navigate to the desired location where you want the shortcut to appear. Then, right-click on an empty space and select "New" followed by "Shortcut." In the path field, enter the URL of your SharePoint site or folder and give the shortcut a name. Finally, click "Finish" to create the shortcut.