Is There a Way to Add SharePoint to File Explorer?

SharePoint is a web-based collaborative platform from Microsoft. It uses workflow applications, list databases, many security features, and other web parts to help organizations centrally manage data, documents, and processes, and integrate with other enterprise business systems. For example, if you run a business with multiple locations, using SharePoint makes it simple for employees to access mission-critical documents they need, with a web browser.

However, it may be more convenient to work with SharePoint documents from your local File Explorer than to access them online. Besides, SharePoint sync to File Explorer can also make it easy to access files offline. Here we assemble solutions for how to sync SharePoint files to File Explorer.

Two Easy Ways to Sync SharePoint to File Explorer

To sync SharePoint folder to File Explorer, you have two methods available - relying on the OneDrive sync client or a professional sync tool. Using the previous method requires you to install and sign in to the OneDrive app on your computer with your work or school account first. Or, you can move to the second method as well.

Method 1. Sync SharePoint Library to File Explorer with OneDrive

Kind of like adding OneDrive to File Explorer so you can access OneDrive files from a local OneDrive folder, syncing SharePoint with File Explorer is to map SharePoint Online on your computer as a local drive for accessing SharePoint documents locally.

Relying on the two-way sync feature of the OneDrive desktop app, you could sync and keep your SharePoint files up-to-date with these on the web. Now, please follow the guide below to learn how to sync SharePoint to File Explorer on Mac and Windows:

Step 1. Open your SharePoint site in a web browser.

Step 2. Click on Documents from the left menu to select a document library or folder that you want to sync locally. Then, click on Sync.

Step 3. Tap Open Microsoft OneDrive on the pop-up screen.

Step 4. Select a location for your SharePoint Online in File Explorer and click Next.

Step 5. Then, you will see the SharePoint library you have just synced in Windows Explorer.

Now, you can access these synced folders locally and any changes made to them will be synced to SharePoint Online automatically.

Method 2. Sync SharePoint with File Explorer without OneDrive

What if syncing SharePoint to File Explorer not working using OneDrive or you don’t want to use OneDrive on your computer? AOMEI Backupper, a professional sync software, can help you sync SharePoint to desktop hassle-free.

It provides you with a Scheduled Sync feature to perform SharePoint sync automatically, and you can choose to sync files daily, weekly, or monthly according to your needs. In addition to syncing SharePoint documents locally, this tool offers you to perform SharePoint OneDrive sync, SharePoint Google Drive sync, and SharePoint network drive sync, easily.

Now, make sure the SharePoint folder has been created in File Explorer by the OneDrive software and download AOMEI Backupper to let SharePoint files sync to Windows Explorer.

Step 1. Launch the AOMEI Backupper software. Go to Sync and select Basic Sync.

Step 2. Choose the SharePoint folder to sync. Then, click on the destination bar to choose Select a local path and specify a local path as the sync destination.

Step 3. Click Schedule to enable schedule sync and set up auto sync for SharePoint files/folders.

Step 4. Press the Start Sync button to sync SharePoint site to File Explorer instantly.

How to Remove Synced SharePoint Folder from File Explorer

If you want to unsync SharePoint to File Explorer for some reason, you can simply turn off scheduled sync on the second method. If you are using OneDrive to sync SharePoint to File Explorer, here is what to do:

Step 1. Click on the OneDrive icon on the taskbar and open OneDrive Sync.

Step 2. All folders you have synchronized from SharePoint are displayed in the Account tab. Tap on Stop sync next to the folder you want to unsync.

Step 3. Then, hit Stop Sync to confirm your operation.

Best Way to Backup SharePoint Online

In fact, data stored on SharePoint Online is not completely safe. They have a great risk of being lost due to various reasons, such as accidental deletion and virus attacks. Backing up SharePoint is a perfect solution to protect your valuable data. CBackup, a free cloud backup service, offers you an easy and effective method to back up files on SharePoint Online.

This SharePoint Online backup solution allows you to automatically backup SharePoint files to mainstream cloud drives like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox, and its own CBackup Cloud (with 10GB of free backup space). Also, you can use this tool to backup local folders to Google Drive and other clouds.

Click the download button below to install this freeware on your computer. Then, go on with the guide below to back up your SharePoint Online with ease!

Step 1. Sign up for a CBackup account for free and sign in to the CBackup desktop app.

Step 2. Click on Backup on the left and select Backup PC to CBackup Cloud.

Step 3. Select files or folders you want to back up. Then, CBackup Cloud is added as your backup destination automatically. Then, tap on Start Backup.

Except for that, CBackup comes with Sync features that allow you to upload local files to public clouds as well as sync files between clouds with one click, such as syncing Google Drive to OneDrive.

Conclusion

If you don’t want to work within SharePoint and plan to sync SharePoint to File Explorer, there are two useful ways for you to choose. Also, we introduce a free solution for you to backup SharePoint Online to clouds like Google Drive effortlessly.