How to Add a SharePoint Folder to File Explorer (2026)
You don’t have to open a browser every time you need a file on SharePoint. Two clicks adds the folder to File Explorer so it behaves like any local folder — drag, drop, double-click, save from Word. Here’s how to do it, plus when to use Add shortcut to OneDrive instead of Sync.
The Two Methods
| Method | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sync | Syncs the current library or folder to this PC only. | A library you use heavily on one machine. |
| Add shortcut to OneDrive | Adds a link to the folder inside your OneDrive — follows your account across every device. | A folder you want on multiple PCs, Mac, and mobile. |
Microsoft now recommends Add shortcut to OneDrive for most users. Both surface in File Explorer; this guide covers both.
Method 1: Sync (Library or Folder to This PC)
- Open the SharePoint site in your browser.
- Go to the document library (the “Documents” tile on most team sites) or open the specific folder.
- On the toolbar, click Sync.
- Windows shows “Open Microsoft OneDrive?” — click Open.
- The OneDrive client picks up the request and starts syncing. A blue OneDrive cloud icon appears in the system tray.
In File Explorer, look in the left pane for an entry like “Contoso – Marketing Team” under your org name. That’s the synced library.
Method 2: Add Shortcut to OneDrive (Recommended)
- In the SharePoint library, select the folder you want (single click — don’t open it).
- On the toolbar, click Add shortcut to OneDrive.
- A toast confirms “Added to OneDrive”.
Now open File Explorer > OneDrive – <your org>. The folder appears with a small chain-link badge.
Because it lives in OneDrive, it follows you to every signed-in device — Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, web. You can also delete the shortcut without touching the source folder.
Using the Folder in File Explorer
Once it’s there, it behaves like a local folder with one twist: Files On-Demand.
- Files show cloud icons until you open them — they’re “online-only” and take no disk space.
- Open or right-click > Always keep on this device to download a permanent copy.
- Right-click a downloaded file > Free up space to send it back online-only.
- Save changes directly from Word, Excel, PowerPoint — they sync in the background.
Stop Syncing
To remove a synced library or shortcut without affecting the source:
Synced library
- Right-click the OneDrive cloud in the system tray > Settings.
- Go to the Account tab.
- Find the library and click Stop sync.
OneDrive shortcut
- In File Explorer, navigate to OneDrive – <your org>.
- Right-click the shortcut folder > Remove shortcut.
Either way, the SharePoint library itself is untouched.
Troubleshooting
”Sync” button is missing
The site or library has been blocked from sync by your tenant admin. Add shortcut to OneDrive may still work — try that instead. If both are blocked, you’ll need IT to allow sync.
The OneDrive app didn’t open
Make sure OneDrive is installed and signed in to your work account (not just personal). On Windows 10/11, it’s pre-installed. Look for the cloud in the system tray; if missing, search for OneDrive in the Start menu.
Files show a red X
The file failed to sync — usually a name with illegal characters (< > : " / \ | ? *), a path longer than 400 characters, or a conflict. Click the OneDrive tray icon to see the error and fix the offending file.
The folder is empty in File Explorer
First-time sync can take a few minutes for big libraries. Watch the OneDrive cloud icon — it shows “Syncing” while it works.
”This file isn’t available” when offline
You haven’t downloaded it yet (Files On-Demand). Open the folder while online, right-click the file > Always keep on this device.
Quick Reference
| Want this | Click this |
|---|---|
| One PC only | Sync (library toolbar) |
| Across all my devices | Add shortcut to OneDrive |
| Stop syncing | OneDrive tray > Settings > Account > Stop sync |
| Remove a shortcut | Right-click shortcut > Remove shortcut |
| Force download | Right-click file > Always keep on this device |
Related SharePoint guides: How to sync SharePoint with OneDrive · How to create a SharePoint site · How to create a SharePoint folder · How to create a SharePoint list · How to delete a SharePoint site
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