How to Show SharePoint in File Explorer
In today’s digital age, SharePoint has become an essential tool for businesses and organizations to manage, share, and collaborate on documents and information. However, by default, SharePoint is not visible in the File Explorer on Windows. This can be quite frustrating for users who are accustomed to accessing their files directly from the File Explorer. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to show SharePoint in File Explorer, making it easier for you to navigate and manage your files.
Step 1: Enable File Explorer Integration
The first step to show SharePoint in File Explorer is to enable the integration between the two. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Open SharePoint Online.
2. Click on your name in the upper-right corner and select “Site contents.”
3. Navigate to the “File Explorer” link and click on it.
4. Once in the File Explorer, click on the “Connect to your SharePoint site” link on the left-hand side.
5. Choose the “Open in File Explorer” option and click “OK.”
Step 2: Map SharePoint as a Network Drive
Another way to show SharePoint in File Explorer is to map it as a network drive. This allows you to access your SharePoint files as if they were stored on a local drive. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open SharePoint Online.
2. Click on your name in the upper-right corner and select “Site contents.”
3. Navigate to the “File Explorer” link and click on it.
4. Once in the File Explorer, right-click on the folder you want to map and select “Map network drive.”
5. Choose a drive letter and click “Finish.”
Step 3: Use Third-Party Software
If you’re still unable to show SharePoint in File Explorer, you can use third-party software to achieve this. There are several applications available that can integrate SharePoint with File Explorer, making it easier to navigate and manage your files. Some popular options include:
1. Insync: This software allows you to sync your SharePoint files with your local drive, making them accessible from File Explorer.
2. CollabNet: This tool provides a seamless integration between SharePoint and File Explorer, allowing you to manage your files directly from the File Explorer.
3. OneDrive for Business: If you have a OneDrive for Business account, you can use it to access your SharePoint files from File Explorer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, showing SharePoint in File Explorer can greatly enhance your productivity and make it easier to manage your files. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enable File Explorer integration, map SharePoint as a network drive, or use third-party software to access your SharePoint files directly from the File Explorer. Take advantage of these methods to streamline your workflow and make the most of SharePoint’s powerful features.
