How to View SharePoint Files in File Explorer
In today’s digital world, SharePoint has become an essential tool for businesses to collaborate and share files. However, many users often find it challenging to view SharePoint files directly in their file explorer. This article will guide you through the process of how to view SharePoint files in file explorer, making it easier for you to access and manage your files efficiently.
Understanding SharePoint
Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand what SharePoint is. SharePoint is a web-based platform developed by Microsoft that allows users to store, organize, share, and access files from any device. It offers various features like document libraries, lists, and sites, making it an ideal choice for businesses and organizations.
Enabling File Explorer Integration
To view SharePoint files in your file explorer, you need to enable file explorer integration. Follow these steps:
1. Open SharePoint Online and navigate to the site where your files are stored.
2. Click on the “Settings” gear icon in the upper right corner.
3. Select “Site settings” from the dropdown menu.
4. In the “Site collection administration” section, click on “Advanced settings.”
5. Scroll down to the “Client integration” section and enable the “Allow files from this site to be opened in client applications” option.
6. Click “OK” to save the changes.
Adding SharePoint as a Network Location
Once you have enabled file explorer integration, you can add SharePoint as a network location. Here’s how:
1. Open File Explorer and click on “Network” in the left pane.
2. In the address bar, type the URL of your SharePoint site (e.g., https://yourcompany.sharepoint.com/sites/yoursite).
3. Press Enter, and you’ll see your SharePoint site listed under “Network locations.”
4. Double-click on the site to open it, and you’ll now be able to view and manage your files as if they were stored on your local machine.
Accessing SharePoint Files from the Desktop
To access SharePoint files directly from your desktop, you can create a shortcut. Here’s how:
1. Right-click on the desktop and select “New” > “Shortcut.”
2. In the “Type the location of the item” field, enter the URL of your SharePoint site (e.g., https://yourcompany.sharepoint.com/sites/yoursite).
3. Click “Next,” give the shortcut a name, and click “Finish.”
4. Now, you can double-click on the shortcut to open your SharePoint files directly from the desktop.
Conclusion
Viewing SharePoint files in file explorer can greatly enhance your productivity and efficiency. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily access and manage your SharePoint files without the need to navigate through the SharePoint interface. Happy file managing!
