How To Get Sharepoint Folder In Windows Explorer

Have you ever wondered how to access your SharePoint folders directly from Windows Explorer? Well, the good news is that it's possible, and it can greatly enhance your productivity. By enabling this feature, you can easily navigate and manage your SharePoint files just like any other folder on your computer. No need to switch between different interfaces or struggle to find the right document - it's all right there at your fingertips.

To get SharePoint folders in Windows Explorer, you need to follow a few simple steps. Firstly, open your SharePoint site and navigate to the document library or folder that you want to access in Windows Explorer. Then, click on the "Library" tab and select "Open with Explorer." This will open a new Windows Explorer window with direct access to your SharePoint folder. From there, you can perform various tasks such as copying, moving, and deleting files, just as you would with any other folder on your computer. This seamless integration between SharePoint and Windows Explorer makes file management a breeze, saving you time and effort in your daily workflow.

Sharepoint Folder in Windows Explorer: A Comprehensive Guide

Sharepoint is a powerful collaboration platform developed by Microsoft that allows teams to store, share, and manage documents and files. While Sharepoint provides a web-based interface for accessing files and folders, there may be instances where you prefer to work with Sharepoint folders directly within Windows Explorer. In this guide, we will explore different methods to get Sharepoint folders in Windows Explorer, providing a seamless experience for accessing and managing your files.

Method 1: Using the "Open with Explorer" Feature

The "Open with Explorer" feature in Sharepoint allows you to connect and access your Sharepoint folders directly from Windows Explorer. To use this method, follow the steps below:

• Open your Sharepoint site in a web browser and navigate to the folder you want to access.
• Click on the "Library" tab in the Sharepoint ribbon.
• In the "Connect & Export" group, click on the "Open with Explorer" button.
• A new Windows Explorer window will open, displaying the contents of the selected Sharepoint folder.

You can now work with the Sharepoint folder in Windows Explorer, allowing you to drag and drop files, create new folders, and perform other file management tasks.

Method 2: Mapping a Network Drive

Another way to access your Sharepoint folder in Windows Explorer is by mapping it as a network drive. Here's how to do it:

• Open your Sharepoint site in a web browser and navigate to the folder you want to map as a network drive.
• Click on the "Library" tab in the Sharepoint ribbon.
• In the "Connect & Export" group, click on the "Open in Windows Explorer" button.
• The selected folder will open in Windows Explorer.
• Right-click on the folder in Windows Explorer and select "Map network drive" from the context menu.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the mapping process.

The Sharepoint folder will now appear as a network drive in Windows Explorer, allowing you to access and manage its contents like any other local drive.

Method 3: Syncing Sharepoint Libraries with OneDrive

If you regularly work with Sharepoint folders and want offline access, you can sync your Sharepoint libraries with OneDrive. Here's how:

• 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 ribbon.
• If prompted, sign in with your Microsoft account.
• Choose the location on your computer where you want to sync the Sharepoint library.
• Click on "Sync now" to start syncing the library with OneDrive.

Once the syncing process is complete, you will have offline access to the Sharepoint library through Windows Explorer. Any changes made to files in the synced library will automatically sync back to Sharepoint when you have an internet connection.

Syncing Sharepoint Libraries on Mac

If you're using a Mac, you can also sync Sharepoint libraries with OneDrive. Follow these steps:

• 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 ribbon.
• If prompted, sign in with your Microsoft account.
• Choose the location on your computer where you want to sync the Sharepoint library.
• Click on "Sync now" to start syncing the library with OneDrive.

The Sharepoint library will now be accessible through Finder on your Mac.

Exploring External Tools for Sharepoint Folder Integration

In addition to the native methods provided by Sharepoint, there are also external tools available that offer enhanced Sharepoint folder integration with Windows Explorer. These tools provide advanced features and functionalities to streamline your file management workflow. Let's explore some popular options:

Tool 1: Microsoft SharePoint Workspace

Microsoft SharePoint Workspace, previously known as Microsoft Office Groove, is a desktop application that allows you to synchronize Sharepoint libraries to your computer for offline access. It provides seamless integration with Windows Explorer, enabling you to work with Sharepoint folders just like any other folder on your computer. SharePoint Workspace also offers collaboration features such as offline editing and automatic synchronization with the Sharepoint server.

Setup and Usage

To use Microsoft SharePoint Workspace:

• Install Microsoft SharePoint Workspace on your computer (included with certain versions of Microsoft Office).
• Launch the application and sign in with your Microsoft account.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your Sharepoint site and sync the desired libraries to your computer.
• The synced Sharepoint folders will be accessible through Windows Explorer, allowing you to manage files offline and sync changes when connected to the network.

SharePoint Workspace provides an intuitive and familiar interface for accessing Sharepoint folders, enhancing your productivity and collaboration capabilities.

Tool 2: Harmon.ie

Harmon.ie is a popular third-party tool that integrates Sharepoint with Outlook, Windows Explorer, and other applications. It offers a seamless experience for accessing and managing Sharepoint folders directly within Windows Explorer, allowing you to drag and drop files, open and edit documents, and perform other file management tasks without leaving the familiar Windows interface. Harmon.ie also provides features such as document version control, automatic metadata extraction, and real-time collaboration.

Setup and Usage

To use Harmon.ie:

• Download and install the Harmon.ie client on your computer.
• Launch the application and sign in with your Sharepoint credentials.
• Harmon.ie will automatically integrate with Windows Explorer, adding Sharepoint-related options and functionalities to the context menu.
• Simply navigate to your Sharepoint folder in Windows Explorer to start managing your files.

Harmon.ie simplifies the process of working with Sharepoint folders in Windows Explorer, enhancing your productivity and collaboration within the familiar Windows environment.

Using the native Sharepoint features or leveraging external tools like Microsoft SharePoint Workspace and Harmon.ie, you can seamlessly integrate your Sharepoint folders with Windows Explorer, providing a unified interface for managing your files and collaborating with your team. Whether you prefer the simplicity of the built-in methods or the advanced capabilities of third-party tools, exploring these options will undoubtedly enhance your Sharepoint experience and streamline your file management workflow.

Accessing Sharepoint Folder in Windows Explorer

SharePoint is a powerful collaboration platform that allows teams to store, manage, and share documents and information. If you are using Windows Explorer and want to access your SharePoint folder, follow these steps:

1. Open your web browser and navigate to your SharePoint site.

2. Go to the folder you want to access in Windows Explorer.

3. Click on the "Library" tab in the top menu and select "Open with Explorer".

4. A new Windows Explorer window will open, displaying the contents of the SharePoint folder.

5. You can now work with the files in the SharePoint folder using Windows Explorer, including copying, moving, and deleting files.

By accessing your SharePoint folder in Windows Explorer, you can take advantage of the familiar file management features of Windows while still benefiting from the collaboration capabilities of SharePoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to get SharePoint folders in windows explorer:

1. Can I access SharePoint folders like a regular network drive in Windows Explorer?

Yes, you can access SharePoint folders like a regular network drive in Windows Explorer by mapping the SharePoint site as a network drive. Here's how:

Open Windows Explorer and click on "Map network drive" in the toolbar. Select a drive letter and enter the URL of the SharePoint site in the "Folder" field. Check "Connect using different credentials" if you want to use different login details. Click "Finish" to complete the process. The SharePoint folders will now be accessible through Windows Explorer.

2. How can I synchronize SharePoint folders with my local computer?

To synchronize SharePoint folders with your local computer, you can use the OneDrive sync client. Here's how:

Install the OneDrive sync client on your computer if you haven't already. Open the SharePoint library you want to synchronize and click on "Sync" in the toolbar. The OneDrive sync client will open, and you can choose the location on your computer where you want to sync the SharePoint files. Click "Sync Now" to start the synchronization process. The SharePoint folders will now be synchronized with your local computer.

3. Is it possible to open SharePoint documents in Windows Explorer directly?

No, you cannot directly open SharePoint documents in Windows Explorer. However, you can access the SharePoint folders through Windows Explorer by mapping the SharePoint site as a network drive or by synchronizing the SharePoint folders with your local computer using the OneDrive sync client.

4. How do I disconnect or remove the mapped SharePoint drive in Windows Explorer?

To disconnect or remove the mapped SharePoint drive in Windows Explorer, follow these steps:

Open Windows Explorer and right-click on the mapped SharePoint drive. Select "Disconnect" or "Disconnect network drive" from the context menu. Confirm the action if prompted. The mapped SharePoint drive will be disconnected and removed from Windows Explorer.

5. Can I access SharePoint folders on a different domain in Windows Explorer?

Yes, you can access SharePoint folders on a different domain in Windows Explorer by using the "Connect using different credentials" option when mapping the SharePoint site as a network drive. This allows you to enter the login credentials for the different domain and access the SharePoint folders on that domain.

In conclusion, accessing your SharePoint folders in Windows Explorer is a simple and efficient way to manage your files and collaborate with colleagues. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, you can easily integrate SharePoint into your File Explorer, allowing for seamless file sharing and organization.

Remember to ensure that your SharePoint site is properly synced and connected to your Windows account, and that you have the necessary permissions to access the desired folders. With this knowledge, you can enjoy the convenience and productivity benefits of navigating your SharePoint folders directly from Windows Explorer.