3 Feasible Ways to Add SharePoint Folder to Windows Explorer

• Why Add SharePoint Folder to Windows Explorer?
• How to Add SharePoint Folder to Windows Explorer
  Way 1. Sync
  Way 2. Add a Shortcut to OneDrive
  Way 3. MultCloud Cloud Sync [Sync Specific Folder] 🔥
• Why is SharePoint Not Showing in File Explorer?
• Conclusion

Why Add SharePoint Folder to Windows Explorer?

When you seek solutions on how to add SharePoint to File Explorer, there must be some benefits that trigger you to do that.

How to Add SharePoint Folder to Windows Explorer

As long as you want to add SharePoint to File Explorer, you have to use OneDrive as a medium. But there is no need to worry about the OneDrive installation since it is preinstalled on your Windows computer if you are using Windows 10 or later.

There are 3 ways you can choose from on how to add SharePoint to File Explorer: Sync, Add shortcut to OneDrive, and MultCloud Cloud Sync.

Notes:✎...

Actually, there is a “View in File Explorer” command on SharePoint that can also let you access SharePoint files in File Explorer although it is a one-time access. However, View in File Explorer relies on Internet Explorer and Microsoft apps no longer support IE 11 since 2021.

Before all the steps of each method, please enable OneDrive on your desktop and log in to the same account as SharePoint.

Way 1. Add SharePoint Folder to Windows Explorer by Sync

Step 1. Go to SharePoint Online and navigate to the library that includes your desired folders.

Step 2. Click the “Sync” button in the upper bar.

Step 3. When a window pops up saying “This site is trying to open Microsoft OneDrive”, click “Open”.

Step 4. When you open OneDrive in File Explorer, you can view SharePoint files in File Explorer.

Way 2. Add SharePoint Folder to Windows Explorer by Add a Shortcut to OneDrive

Step 1. Enter SharePoint Online and select the library where your desired folders are located.

Step 2. Click the “Add shortcut to OneDrive” button in the upper bar.

Step 3. Open the OneDrive folder in File Explore and see your SharePoint folders there.

Bonus Tip: Differences between “Sync” and “Add Shortcut to OneDrive”

There is a brief comparison of Sync and Add Shortcut to OneDrive to help you make a decision to use which feature.

	Sync	Add a shortcut to OneDrive
Device	When you Sync SharePoint files to OneDrive, these folders can be only accessed on this device.	The SharePoint folder can be accessed on any device that you enable OneDrive and log in to your account.
Accessibility	Files in File Explorer are stored locally.	Files are saved in OneDrive but they can be accessed online and offline.

Way 3. Add SharePoint Folder to Windows Explorer by MultCloud Cloud Sync

Unlike the former 2 methods, MultCloud Cloud Sync allows you to choose specific folders to sync with OneDrive. Besides, the sync process can be one-way or two-way. Moreover, there are sync modes like Real Time Sync, Mirror Sync, Incremental Sync, Cumulative Sync, Update Sync, Full Backup Sync, and Move Sync. You can use a sync mode to make your task smarter.

Step 1. Open the MultCloud website and sign up for an account.

Step 2. Add SharePoint Online to MultCloud by clicking “Add Cloud” and the SharePoint Online logo. Then, add OneDrive with the same step.

Step 3. Choose “Cloud Sync” in the left sidebar and choose SharePoint folders in the FROM box and OneDrive in the TO box.

Step 4. If you want to add a sync mode, you can open “Options” to choose. After all the settings, tap “Sync Now” to start the sync task.

Why is SharePoint Not Showing in File Explorer?

If you follow the steps above to add SharePoint folder to Windows Explorer but find it does not appear, here are some common causes and solutions.

1. Sync Issues with OneDrive: Ensure that OneDrive Sync is set up properly. SharePoint files appear in File Explorer through OneDrive.

2. OneDrive App Not Running or Outdated: If OneDrive is outdated, update it from the Microsoft Store or download the latest version from Microsoft's website.

3. Files On-Demand Disabled: Make sure "Files On-Demand" is enabled. This ensures the files are visible in File Explorer without taking up space.

4. Account Sign-in Issues: Check if you're signed into the correct Microsoft account in OneDrive.

5. Group Policy or Registry Settings (For IT-managed Devices): Some organizations restrict OneDrive syncing via Group Policy.

Conclusion

Now you have 3 ways to add SharePoint folder to Windows Explorer. If you do not need any customizable features and want to sync a whole SharePoint Library, you can choose to use the “Sync” or “Add shortcut to OneDrive” feature. However, if you want to add a specific folder to File Explorer, MultCloud Cloud Sync will be a better choice. It can also real-time sync files between SharePoint and OneDrive (File Explorer) without downloading and uploading.