Office 365 – Opening SharePoint Libraries in Windows Explorer

How to Open SharePoint Libraries in Windows Explorer

Watch this video or use the instructions below to learn how to open SharePoint document libraries in windows explorer for ease of use. To see this process demonstrated using the classic view in SharePoint, view the video at the bottom of the page.

Full Transcript:

• Syncing SharePoint libraries locally have many benefits. Once the folder is synced locally, the files can be accessed even if you are offline. These files can be edited, added, and removed and will sync automatically.   
• To sync files locally in SharePoint, navigate to the SharePoint document library you’d like to sync locally to your computer. 
• Select the Sync button from the toolbar. 
• This will bring up a prompt to open OneDrive, click Open Microsoft OneDrive. 
• If you have never Synced that folder before it will automatically sync to your OneDrive and you will see a similar notification on your computer. 
• To find this folder, open your file explorer and you should see it on the left–hand side. 
• If you ever need to unsync a library, within the File Explorer Local Sync, right click on the folder you’d like to unsync and select Settings. 
• This will bring up Microsoft OneDrive’s Account Settings. Below you’ll see the folders that are locally Syncing. Click Stop Sync next to the folder you would like to no longer locally sync.

Viewing and Syncing Your SharePoint Files to Windows Explorer (Modern SharePoint View)

Syncing locally to File Explorer can be a much better way to use SharePoint. Whether it’s for faster navigation, organization or moving files, or just personal preference, follow the steps below to accomplish this.

1. Navigate to the SharePoint document library you’d like to sync locally.
2. Open the library you want to sync.
3. Select the Sync button.

4. This will bring up a prompt to open OneDrive, click Open Microsoft OneDrive.If you don’t already have OneDrive installed on your computer, you’ll be prompted to install it and log in.
5. You’ll get a notification that you are now syncing your desired folder.

6. To find this folder locally, open file explorer and you should see it on the left-hand side.

What Happens if You’re Already Syncing a Folder with the Same Name

If you’ve already synced this folder or have synced another folder with the same name, this process may happen differently.

You’ll see a message about that folder already existing on your PC. You’ll have the option to use the existing folder on your device or create a new folder. Make absolutely sure the folders are the same before clicking Use This Folder. Or, use the Create New Folder to sync a separate copy of this library (make sure the folders are actually different before selecting this option to avoid confusion with multiple copies.

After you’ve selected the appropriate option for your situation, you’ll get a notification from OneDrive that you’re now syncing this folder locally.

Stop Syncing a SharePoint Folder From Your Local Drive

1. If you ever need to stop syncing a library, within File Explorer, right click on the folder you’d like to stop syncing and select Settings.
2. This will bring up your Microsoft OneDrive Account Settings. You’ll see the folders that are locally syncing. Click Stop Sync next to the folder you would like to no longer locally sync.

Step-by-Step Instructions Using Classic SharePoint

1. Navigate to your desired document library or folder using SharePoint on your browser.
2. Choose the folder or folders you’d like to open in Windows Explorers by selecting them using the check boxes on the left.
3. Once you’ve selected a folder or file, the Files tab will show up on the ribbon. Select it.
4. On the right-hand side of the Connect & Export section of the ribbon, choose Open with Explorer.
5. This will open Windows Explorer on your computer, where you can manipulate files.