How to Browse SharePoint in File Explorer
In today’s digital age, SharePoint has become an essential tool for businesses and organizations to store, share, and manage documents and information. With its robust features and user-friendly interface, SharePoint has gained immense popularity. However, many users find it challenging to access SharePoint files directly from their file explorer. In this article, we will guide you on how to browse SharePoint in File Explorer and make the most of this powerful collaboration platform.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
The first step to browse SharePoint in File Explorer is to open the file explorer on your computer. You can do this by clicking on the “File Explorer” icon on the taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
Step 2: Map SharePoint as a Network Drive
To access SharePoint files directly from File Explorer, you need to map SharePoint as a network drive. Follow these steps to map SharePoint as a network drive:
1. In the File Explorer window, click on the “This PC” or “Computer” icon on the left sidebar.
2. Right-click on “This PC” or “Computer” and select “Map Network Drive.”
3. In the “Map Network Drive” dialog box, choose a drive letter from the drop-down menu. This drive letter will represent your SharePoint site in File Explorer.
4. In the “Folder” field, enter the URL of your SharePoint site. For example, if your SharePoint site URL is “https://yourcompany.sharepoint.com/sites/yoursite”, enter “https://yourcompany.sharepoint.com/sites/yoursite” in the “Folder” field.
5. Click “Finish” to map the SharePoint site as a network drive.
Step 3: Access SharePoint Files
Once you have mapped SharePoint as a network drive, you can access your SharePoint files directly from File Explorer. Simply navigate to the mapped drive in the left sidebar, and you will see your SharePoint site’s files and folders.
Step 4: Connect to SharePoint Online
If you are using SharePoint Online, you can also connect to your SharePoint site directly from File Explorer. Follow these steps to connect to SharePoint Online:
1. In the File Explorer window, click on the “Network” icon on the left sidebar.
2. Right-click on “Network” and select “Add a network location.”
3. Click “Next” in the “Add Network Location” wizard.
4. Select “Choose a custom network location” and click “Next.”
5. In the “Internet or network path” field, enter the URL of your SharePoint Online site. For example, if your SharePoint Online site URL is “https://yourcompany.sharepoint.com/sites/yoursite”, enter “https://yourcompany.sharepoint.com/sites/yoursite” in the “Internet or network path” field.
6. Click “Next,” then “Finish” to connect to your SharePoint Online site.
Step 5: Customize File Explorer Settings
To enhance your SharePoint browsing experience in File Explorer, you can customize the settings. Right-click on the SharePoint site in the left sidebar and select “Properties.” In the “Properties” dialog box, you can change the default view, create shortcuts, and configure other settings.
Conclusion
Browsing SharePoint in File Explorer is a straightforward process once you have mapped the SharePoint site as a network drive or connected to SharePoint Online. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily access and manage your SharePoint files and folders directly from your file explorer. This will help you streamline your workflow and make the most of SharePoint’s powerful collaboration features.
