How to Add SharePoint to File Explorer on Windows and Mac

What you're doing when you add SharePoint to File Explorer

Adding SharePoint to File Explorer means connecting your SharePoint site directly to the folder view on your computer, so you can see and work with SharePoint files the same way you handle local folders. Instead of opening a web browser and logging into SharePoint each time, you'll see your SharePoint library as a mapped drive or network location in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac). This saves you steps and lets you drag files between SharePoint and your desktop without switching windows.

The process differs slightly between Windows and Mac, and the exact steps depend on whether you're using OneDrive for Business (which syncs SharePoint files to your computer) or adding SharePoint as a network location without syncing. Most people find the OneDrive route simpler because it downloads files to your hard drive automatically, but the network location method works if you want to browse without storing everything locally.

Key Takeaways

On Windows, the fastest method is to sync your SharePoint library through OneDrive for Business, which adds it to File Explorer automatically.
If you don't want to sync files to your hard drive, you can add SharePoint as a network location by pasting the site URL into File Explorer's address bar.
On Mac, you'll use Finder to add the SharePoint site as a network location, or sync through OneDrive for Mac.
You need the full URL to your SharePoint site or library, which you can copy directly from your browser address bar when you're logged in.
After adding SharePoint, you may need to enter your work credentials once, and then File Explorer or Finder will remember the connection.

Adding SharePoint to File Explorer on Windows via OneDrive

The OneDrive method is the most straightforward for Windows users because it handles the connection automatically. Open your SharePoint site in a web browser and navigate to the library you want to add — this is usually the "Documents" folder or a team project folder. Look for the blue "Sync" button near the top of the page and click it. A dialog box will appear asking where you want to store the synced files on your computer; the default location (usually your OneDrive folder) works fine for most people.

Once you confirm the location, OneDrive will begin syncing the SharePoint library to your computer. This can take a few minutes if the library contains many files. After the sync completes, open File Explorer and look in the left sidebar under "Quick Access" or scroll down to find the synced folder — it will have a blue OneDrive icon next to it. You can now open, edit, and save files directly from File Explorer, and OneDrive will automatically upload your changes back to SharePoint.

Adding SharePoint as a network location without syncing

If you want to browse SharePoint files in File Explorer without downloading them to your hard drive, you can add the site as a network location instead. Open File Explorer and right-click on "This PC" in the left sidebar, then select "Add a network location." A wizard window will open; click "Choose a custom network location" and then "Next."

In the address field, paste the full URL to your SharePoint site. You can find this by opening SharePoint in your browser, copying the address from the address bar, and pasting it into the wizard. The URL usually looks like https://yourcompany.sharepoint.com/sites/yoursite. Click "Next," enter your work username and password when prompted, and give the location a name you'll recognize — something like "Team SharePoint" works well. Click "Finish," and the SharePoint site will now appear in File Explorer under "This PC."

Adding SharePoint to Finder on Mac

Mac users can sync SharePoint through OneDrive for Mac or add it as a network location through Finder. For the OneDrive method, open your SharePoint site in a browser, click the blue "Sync" button, and choose where to store the files on your Mac. OneDrive for Mac will then sync the library to your computer, and you'll see it in Finder under your OneDrive folder.

To add SharePoint as a network location without syncing, open Finder and click "Go" in the menu bar at the top. Select "Connect to Server," paste your SharePoint site URL into the address field, and click "Connect." Enter your work credentials when prompted. The SharePoint site will then appear in Finder's sidebar, and you can browse and open files directly from there. The connection will persist, so you won't need to re-enter the address each time.

Finding your SharePoint URL

The URL is the most important piece of information you'll need, and it's easy to find. Log into SharePoint in your web browser, navigate to the site or library you want to add, and look at the address bar at the top of the browser window. The full address — starting with https:// — is your SharePoint URL. Highlight it, copy it (Ctrl+C on Windows or Command+C on Mac), and paste it into whichever method you're using to add the location.

If you're adding a specific library rather than the entire site, navigate to that library first before copying the URL. For example, if you want to add only the "Projects" library, open that library and copy the address that appears when you're viewing it. This way, File Explorer or Finder will open directly to that library instead of the site's main page.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If File Explorer or Finder won't connect to SharePoint, the most common cause is an incorrect URL. Double-check that you copied the full address from your browser, including the https:// at the beginning. If you're still having trouble, try signing out of your Microsoft account in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and signing back in. On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Access work or school, select your work account, and click "Disconnect," then reconnect. On Mac, open System Settings > Internet Accounts, select your Microsoft account, and remove it, then add it again.

If you're using a work account that requires multi-factor authentication, you may need to enter a verification code when you first connect. Have your phone or authenticator app ready. After the initial connection, you typically won't need to re-enter credentials unless you change your password or your session expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will syncing SharePoint through OneDrive use up my computer's storage space?

Yes, synced files take up space on your hard drive. If storage is limited, use the network location method instead to browse SharePoint without downloading files. You can also use OneDrive's "Files On-Demand" feature (Windows) or "Files On-Demand" (Mac) to see all files in Finder or File Explorer without storing them locally — you download them only when you open them.

Can I add multiple SharePoint sites to File Explorer?

Yes, you can sync or add as many SharePoint sites and libraries as you need. Each one will appear as a separate folder in File Explorer or Finder. If you're syncing multiple large libraries, be aware that this will use more storage space on your computer.

What happens if I edit a file in File Explorer and someone else edits it in SharePoint at the same time?

SharePoint and OneDrive use version control to prevent data loss. If both of you save changes, SharePoint will keep both versions and mark one as a conflict. You can then choose which version to keep or merge the changes manually. OneDrive will notify you when this happens.

Do I need to be connected to the internet to see files in File Explorer after adding SharePoint?

If you synced the files through OneDrive, you can see and open them offline because they're stored on your computer. If you added SharePoint as a network location without syncing, you'll need an internet connection to browse and open files. Changes you make offline will sync when you reconnect.

Can I remove a SharePoint site from File Explorer after adding it?

Yes. If you synced through OneDrive, right-click the folder in File Explorer and select "Always keep on this device" to toggle off, or delete the folder entirely. If you added it as a network location, right-click it in File Explorer and select "Disconnect," or remove it from Finder's sidebar by clicking the X next to its name.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.