Efficiently Access SharePoint Files Directly from Windows Explorer- A Comprehensive Guide
How to View SharePoint Files in Windows Explorer
Microsoft SharePoint is a powerful collaboration platform that allows users to store, organize, and share files with others. For those who are accustomed to using Windows Explorer for file management, viewing SharePoint files directly in Windows Explorer can be a convenient option. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to view SharePoint files in Windows Explorer.
Step 1: Open Windows Explorer
The first step to view SharePoint files in Windows Explorer is to open the application. You can do this by clicking on the Start button, typing “Windows Explorer” in the search bar, and pressing Enter.
Step 2: Add SharePoint Library to Windows Explorer
Next, you need to add the SharePoint library you want to view in Windows Explorer. To do this, click on the “File” menu at the top left corner of the Windows Explorer window, then select “Add a network location” from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Enter SharePoint Library URL
In the “Add Network Location” window, click on “Choose a custom network location” and enter the URL of the SharePoint library you want to view. This URL will typically be in the format of “https://yoursharepointsite.sharepoint.com/sites/yoursite/libraryname”. Make sure to replace “yoursharepointsite”, “yoursite”, and “libraryname” with the actual values.
Step 4: Configure Credentials
After entering the URL, click “Next”. You will be prompted to enter your credentials to access the SharePoint library. Enter your username and password, then click “OK”. If you have set up single sign-on (SSO), you may not need to enter your credentials.
Step 5: Choose a Name for the Network Location
In the “Choose a name for this network location” field, enter a name for the SharePoint library that will be displayed in Windows Explorer. This name can be anything you like, such as “SharePoint Library” or “My Documents – SharePoint”. Click “Next” to proceed.
Step 6: Finish and Access SharePoint Files
Click “Finish” to complete the process. The SharePoint library will now be added to Windows Explorer, and you can access its files by navigating to the “Network” section. You can view, edit, and manage files in the SharePoint library just like any other folder in Windows Explorer.
By following these steps, you can easily view and manage SharePoint files in Windows Explorer, making it more convenient for you to work with your files across different platforms.
