How to Sync a SharePoint to File Explorer

 

SharePoint is used for a wide range of activities like document storage, communication, data exchange, websites, etc. Generally, you need to upload or move files to SharePoint via the Office app or in a web browser (Edge/Chrome/Firefox). However, this may not be convenient for every user. If you want to make things easier, you can add a SharePoint to File Explorer in Windows by following these steps:

  1. Navigate to https://portal.office.com.
  2. Once the page is loaded, click on the menu icon in the top left corner of the screen.
  3. Select OneDrive from the list. This will open a new tab.
  4. Locate the SharePoint that you want added to File Explorer. A list of all the SharePoints that you have access to can be found down the left side of the screen under Quick access. You may have to click on "More places..." if you cannot see the SharePoint under the "Quick access" list.
  5. Next, select the SharePoint you want access to. It will open in the main area of the OneDrive page.
  6. You should now see the option to "Sync" the SharePoint to OneDrive. Click it to begin the sync.
  7. A pop-up will appear asking if you'd like to open the site in OneDrive. Check off the box to always allow these type of links to open in OneDrive, then click Open.
  8. A new window will appear upon opening the SharePoint in OneDrive to let you know that your files are now syncing. Click Close.
  9. Open File Explorer. You should now see the SharePoint on the left side of the screen under the University of Windsor heading.

 

 

Folder Cannot Be Synced

You will receive an error message if you have previously synced a shortcut to a folder from the SharePoint that you're trying to sync. To fix this, please follow these steps:

  1. Close out of the pop-up windows that appeared when attempting the sync.

  1. Click on My files.
  2. Locate any and all Shortcuts that have been created from the SharePoint that you'd like to sync. These can be identified by the Folder Icon and/or the Sharing Status.
  3. Click in the circle next to the Folder Icon to select the Shortcut.
  4. Click the Remove button in the list of options found along the top of OneDrive.

  1. Once all Shortcuts have been removed, you can navigate back to the top of this article and attempt the process once again.
Print Article