How To View Sharepoint In Windows Explorer

Are you looking for a convenient way to access your SharePoint files and folders directly from Windows Explorer? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps of how to view SharePoint in Windows Explorer.

SharePoint, a popular collaboration platform, has revolutionized the way organizations store and share information. With its integration capabilities, SharePoint allows users to access their files and folders directly from Windows Explorer. This seamless integration provides a familiar and efficient experience for users, enhancing productivity and collaboration within teams. By following these steps, you can easily view and manage your SharePoint content from the convenience of Windows Explorer.

Understanding SharePoint and Windows Explorer Integration

SharePoint is a powerful collaboration platform that enables teams to store, share, and access documents and files from anywhere, at any time. One of the most convenient ways to interact with SharePoint is through Windows Explorer. By integrating SharePoint with Windows Explorer, users can view and manage SharePoint libraries and files as if they were regular folders on their computer.

This article will guide you through the process of viewing SharePoint in Windows Explorer, providing step-by-step instructions and useful tips to enhance your SharePoint experience.

Step 1: Ensure SharePoint Integration

Before you can view SharePoint in Windows Explorer, ensure that your SharePoint site is properly integrated with Windows. Follow these steps:

• Open Internet Explorer and navigate to your SharePoint site.
• Click on the "Gear" icon at the top right corner of the site.
• Select "Site Settings" from the dropdown menu.
• Under "Site Actions," click on "Manage site features."
• Scroll down and locate the feature called "Open Documents in Client Applications by Default."
• If the feature is not already activated, click on "Activate" to enable it.

Once you have ensured SharePoint integration, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Open SharePoint in Windows Explorer

To open SharePoint in Windows Explorer, follow these steps:

• Open Windows Explorer on your computer.
• In the address bar, enter the SharePoint site URL. For example, "https://yoursharepointsite.com".
• Press Enter to navigate to the SharePoint site.
• You will be prompted to enter your SharePoint credentials. Enter your username and password to log in.
• Once logged in, you will see the SharePoint site as a folder in Windows Explorer. You can now navigate through the site, view libraries, and manage files.

Congratulations! You have successfully opened SharePoint in Windows Explorer.

Tips for Using SharePoint in Windows Explorer

Here are some tips to enhance your experience when viewing SharePoint in Windows Explorer:

1. Sync SharePoint Libraries: If you frequently access specific SharePoint libraries, consider syncing them with your computer. Syncing allows you to work offline and automatically updates changes when you reconnect.

2. Map SharePoint Libraries as Network Drives: You can also map SharePoint libraries as network drives on your computer. This makes it easier to access and manage files directly from Windows Explorer.

3. Use SharePoint Explorer View: SharePoint also offers an Explorer View, which provides a more comprehensive file management experience within the browser itself. You can switch to Explorer View from the "Library" tab in the SharePoint ribbon.

4. Access SharePoint Recycle Bin: In Windows Explorer, you can access the SharePoint Recycle Bin by navigating to the "Recycle Bin" folder within the SharePoint site folder. This allows you to restore deleted files or permanently delete them if needed.

Advantages of Viewing SharePoint in Windows Explorer

Viewing SharePoint in Windows Explorer offers several advantages:

• Familiar Interface: Windows Explorer provides a familiar interface for managing files, making it easier for users to navigate through SharePoint libraries.
• Offline Access: By syncing SharePoint libraries or mapping them as network drives, users can access files even when they are offline, enhancing productivity.
• File Management: Windows Explorer offers powerful file management capabilities, such as drag-and-drop functionality, bulk file operations, and easy access to file properties.
• Integration with Other Applications: Files in SharePoint can be easily accessed and edited using various applications installed on the user's computer, such as Microsoft Office.

With these advantages in mind, using Windows Explorer to view SharePoint can greatly streamline your workflow and enhance collaboration within your team.

Exploring SharePoint Document Libraries in Windows Explorer

In addition to viewing SharePoint as a whole in Windows Explorer, you can also explore individual document libraries within SharePoint. This allows for more focused management and organization of files. Here's how:

Step 1: Navigate to the Document Library

Before you can explore a document library in Windows Explorer, follow these steps to navigate to the desired library:

• Open SharePoint in Windows Explorer using the steps mentioned earlier.
• Navigate to the SharePoint site containing the document library you want to explore.
• Click on the desired document library to open it.

Once you have reached the document library, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Open the Document Library in Windows Explorer

To open the document library in Windows Explorer, follow these steps:

• In the SharePoint ribbon, click on the "Library" tab.
• Click on the "Open with Explorer" button. This will open the document library in Windows Explorer.

You can now explore the document library in Windows Explorer, allowing for easier management and organization of files.

Benefits of Exploring Document Libraries in Windows Explorer

Exploring document libraries in Windows Explorer offers several benefits:

• Batch Operations: Windows Explorer allows for batch operations such as copying, moving, and deleting multiple files at once, making it easier to manage documents in bulk.
• Folder Structure: With Windows Explorer, you can easily create folders and subfolders within document libraries, providing a hierarchical structure for better organization.
• Metadata Editing: Windows Explorer allows you to edit metadata properties of files within document libraries, enabling better categorization and searchability.

By exploring document libraries in Windows Explorer, you can optimize your file management processes and improve collaboration among team members.

Enhancing Your SharePoint Experience with Windows Explorer

SharePoint integration with Windows Explorer provides a seamless experience for managing and accessing SharePoint files. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily view SharePoint in Windows Explorer and explore individual document libraries within SharePoint. This integration offers a range of advantages, including familiar interfaces, offline access, advanced file management capabilities, and seamless integration with other applications. By leveraging the power of Windows Explorer, you can enhance collaboration, streamline workflows, and optimize your SharePoint experience.

Viewing Sharepoint in Windows Explorer

Sharepoint is a powerful collaboration platform used by many organizations for document management and team collaboration. One of the convenient ways to access and manage Sharepoint files is through Windows Explorer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to view Sharepoint in Windows Explorer:

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

2. Go to the "Documents" or "Library" section of your Sharepoint site where your files are located.

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

4. A new Windows Explorer window will open, displaying the Sharepoint library as a folder structure.

5. You can now view, copy, move, and manage your Sharepoint files just like any other files on your computer, using familiar Windows Explorer features.

By accessing Sharepoint through Windows Explorer, you can easily navigate and work with your files, making it a more seamless and efficient experience for managing your Sharepoint content.

### Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to view Sharepoint in Windows Explorer:

1. Can I access Sharepoint using Windows Explorer?

Yes, you can access Sharepoint using Windows Explorer. Sharepoint allows you to map a network drive to your Sharepoint document library, which enables you to view and manage your files using Windows Explorer.

To access Sharepoint using Windows Explorer, you need to click on the "Libraries" tab in the toolbar, then select "Open with Explorer." This will open a new window in Windows Explorer, displaying your Sharepoint document library as a mapped drive. From there, you can browse, upload, and manage files just like you would on your local computer.

2. How do I map a network drive to Sharepoint?

To map a network drive to Sharepoint, follow these steps:

1. Open Windows Explorer and click on the "Computer" tab in the toolbar.

2. Select "Map network drive" from the dropdown menu.

3. In the "Drive" dropdown menu, select a drive letter that you want to use for the mapped drive.

4. In the "Folder" field, enter the URL of your Sharepoint document library. This should be in the format: https://yourdomain.sharepoint.com/sites/yoursite.

5. Check the box next to "Reconnect at sign-in" if you want the mapped drive to be automatically connected whenever you sign in to your computer.

6. Click "Finish" to complete the mapping process. The network drive will now appear in Windows Explorer, and you can access your Sharepoint document library from there.

3. Can I view Sharepoint files offline using Windows Explorer?

No, you cannot view Sharepoint files offline using Windows Explorer. Windows Explorer provides a real-time connection to your Sharepoint document library, so you need an active internet connection to access and view your files.

4. Can I modify Sharepoint files using Windows Explorer?

Yes, you can modify Sharepoint files using Windows Explorer. When you open your Sharepoint document library in Windows Explorer, you can edit, delete, and move files, just like you would on your local computer.

Any changes made to the files in Windows Explorer will be reflected in the Sharepoint document library, and vice versa. This allows for seamless collaboration and file management within the Sharepoint environment.

5. How do I disconnect the mapped drive to Sharepoint?

To disconnect the mapped drive to Sharepoint, follow these steps:

1. Open Windows Explorer and click on the "Computer" tab in the toolbar.

2. Right-click on the mapped drive that is connected to Sharepoint.

3. Select "Disconnect" from the dropdown menu. The mapped drive will be disconnected, and you will no longer have access to your Sharepoint document library through Windows Explorer.

So there you have it, a comprehensive guide on how to view SharePoint in Windows Explorer. By following these steps, you can easily access your SharePoint files and folders directly from your Windows file explorer, making it more convenient to manage and organize your documents.

Remember, this method allows you to access SharePoint as if it were a local network drive, giving you a seamless experience and making it easier to collaborate and share files with your teammates. Whether you're working on a small team or a large organization, being able to view SharePoint in Windows Explorer can greatly improve your productivity and efficiency.