How to Add SharePoint to File Explorer: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

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If you’re working with SharePoint on a regular basis, you probably already know how valuable it can be for storing and sharing files within your organization. However, accessing SharePoint files directly from the browser can sometimes be cumbersome. Wouldn’t it be easier to access your SharePoint files from within File Explorer just like any other folder on your PC? Well, good news – you can do just that!

In this guide, we’ll show you how to add SharePoint to File Explorer so you can access your documents, files, and folders with just a few clicks, saving you time and making your workflow much smoother.

Why Add SharePoint to File Explorer?

Before diving into the process, you may wonder why it’s useful to add SharePoint to File Explorer. Here are a few benefits:

Convenience: You can access your SharePoint files directly from your computer without needing to open a web browser. It’s just like accessing any other folder on your system.
Speed: With SharePoint integrated into File Explorer, you no longer need to wait for pages to load in your browser, making file navigation faster.
Syncing Files: By linking SharePoint to File Explorer, you can keep your documents synced across devices. Any changes you make are reflected immediately in your SharePoint folders.
Improved Productivity: With SharePoint directly in your File Explorer, managing files becomes more seamless. It allows you to drag and drop files just like any other folder, making file management much easier.

Now that we know the benefits, let’s go through the steps to add SharePoint to File Explorer.

Steps to Add SharePoint to File Explorer

Here’s a simple and easy-to-follow guide for adding SharePoint to File Explorer on Windows 10 or 11.

Step 1: Open SharePoint in Your Browser

Open your web browser and go to your SharePoint site. This could be your organization’s SharePoint team site or document library.
Login to your account if you aren’t already signed in.

Step 2: Select the Folder You Want to Sync

Once you’re in your SharePoint site, navigate to the folder or document library you want to add to File Explorer.
If it’s a document library, click on the Documents option to open your folder list.

Step 3: Click on “Sync”

Inside your SharePoint document library, you’ll see an option to Sync. This button is usually located at the top of the page, near the toolbar.
Click on the Sync button, and a prompt will appear asking you to open OneDrive.

Step 4: Open OneDrive

If you don’t have OneDrive installed, you’ll be prompted to download and install it. OneDrive is the tool that enables SharePoint synchronization with your File Explorer.
If you already have OneDrive installed, simply sign in to your account when prompted.

Step 5: Confirm Sync Settings

After logging in to OneDrive, it will ask you to confirm which folder or document library you want to sync to File Explorer.
Choose the folder from the available list and click Start Sync.

Step 6: Access SharePoint in File Explorer

Now that the sync process has been completed, open File Explorer on your PC.
You will notice a new folder on the left sidebar labeled OneDrive – Your Organization Name. Under this section, you’ll find the folder you synced from SharePoint.
Click on the folder, and you can access your SharePoint files directly from File Explorer. Any files you edit or add will automatically sync back to SharePoint.

Step 7: Sync Additional Folders (Optional)

If you want to add more SharePoint folders to File Explorer, simply repeat the process for each folder you wish to sync. Each folder will appear under the OneDrive section in File Explorer, allowing you to manage multiple SharePoint sites and libraries.

Troubleshooting Tips: Common Issues and Solutions

While syncing SharePoint to File Explorer is usually a straightforward process, some issues might arise. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

1. Sync Not Working:

If the Sync button isn’t working or files aren’t appearing in File Explorer, ensure that:

You are signed into OneDrive.
You have the latest version of OneDrive installed.
The sync settings for your SharePoint library are correct.

2. OneDrive Not Syncing:

If OneDrive is not syncing properly, try restarting your computer or relaunching OneDrive. You can also unlink and then relink your OneDrive account.

3. Accessing SharePoint Files Offline:

By default, OneDrive will only sync files when you’re online. If you want to access your SharePoint files offline, right-click on the folder or file and select Always keep on this device.

Tips for Better SharePoint File Management

Once you’ve successfully added SharePoint to File Explorer, here are a few tips to improve your file management:

Organize Your Files: Make sure your SharePoint folders are organized by project, department, or team to make navigation easier in File Explorer.
Use Descriptive File Names: When saving files to SharePoint, use clear and descriptive names so that other team members can find and identify them easily.
Check Sync Status: You can always check the sync status of your SharePoint folders by looking at the OneDrive icon in your system tray. If the icon shows a green checkmark, everything is synced. A cloud icon means the files are not yet synced.
Enable Notifications: Keep notifications turned on so you are alerted when changes are made to shared SharePoint files.
Regularly Clean Up Your Files: Periodically go through your synced SharePoint folders in File Explorer and delete files you no longer need. This will help maintain a tidy workspace.

Conclusion

Adding SharePoint to File Explorer is a simple but powerful way to enhance your workflow and improve file management. By syncing your SharePoint libraries with OneDrive, you can access your files quickly, even offline, and keep your documents updated in real time across devices.

Whether you’re working on a single project or collaborating across teams, having your SharePoint files in File Explorer makes it easier to stay organized and productive. By following the easy steps in this guide, you can easily integrate SharePoint with your daily routine, saving you time and effort.

Remember, once you sync SharePoint to File Explorer, you’ll be able to manage your files just like any other folder on your PC. Enjoy smoother collaboration, faster file access, and a more organized workspace.