What SharePoint in File Explorer actually does
Adding SharePoint to File Explorer means creating a shortcut that lets you see your SharePoint files directly in the folder window on your computer, instead of having to open a web browser and log into SharePoint each time. When you do this, SharePoint appears as a location in the left sidebar of File Explorer — the same place where you see "Documents" or "Downloads" — and you can drag files in and out of it like any other folder.
This is different from syncing, which downloads a copy of files to your computer. With SharePoint in File Explorer, you are viewing the files where they actually live on Microsoft's servers, so changes made by other people show up when ready, and you are not taking up hard drive space storing duplicates.
Key Takeaways
- You add SharePoint to File Explorer by typing the SharePoint site address into the "Add a place" dialog, which you reach through the File menu in File Explorer.
- You need the exact web address of your SharePoint site, which usually looks like yourcompany.sharepoint.com/sites/projectname — your IT department or SharePoint owner can provide it.
- File Explorer will ask you to sign in with the same Microsoft account or work email you use for SharePoint, and you may need to approve the connection on a second screen.
- Once added, SharePoint stays in File Explorer's sidebar and reconnects automatically when you restart your computer, as long as you stay signed into Windows with that account.
Finding your SharePoint site address
Before you can add SharePoint to File Explorer, you need the correct web address for your SharePoint site. Open SharePoint in your web browser and look at the address bar at the top — it will show something like yourcompany.sharepoint.com/sites/marketing or yourcompany.sharepoint.com/teams/projectname. Copy the entire address from the beginning up to and including the site name, but not any page that comes after it (so if the address ends with /Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx, stop before that part).
If you are not sure what your SharePoint address is, ask the person who manages the site or your IT department. They can give you the exact address in seconds. Do not guess or try variations — File Explorer will reject an incorrect address.
Opening the Add a place dialog in File Explorer
Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key and typing "File Explorer," then clicking the result. Once it is open, look at the top left corner and click the File menu. A dropdown will appear with several options. Click Add a place — it is usually near the bottom of that menu.
A window titled "Add a place" will open with a text box that says "Internet address or local path." This is where you paste your SharePoint address. Click inside the text box and paste the address you copied earlier (use Ctrl+V on Windows).
Signing in and confirming the connection
After you paste the address and click Next, File Explorer will ask you to sign in. Use the Microsoft account or work email address that you use to access SharePoint — this is usually the same email your company gave you. Type your email and password, then click Sign in.
You may see a second screen asking you to approve the connection or confirm that you trust File Explorer to access SharePoint. This is a security step. Click Yes or Allow to proceed. If you see a message saying the address could not be found or that you do not have permission, double-check the address with your SharePoint owner — you may have typed it incorrectly or lack access to that particular site.
Locating SharePoint in File Explorer after adding it
Once the connection is confirmed, File Explorer will close the dialog and return to the main window. Look at the left sidebar — you should now see your SharePoint site listed under "Quick access" or in a section labeled with the site name. Click on it to open the site and see the folders and files stored there.
The first time you click on your SharePoint site, it may take a few seconds to load because File Explorer is connecting to the server. After that, it will open faster. If you do not see it in the sidebar when ready, close File Explorer completely and reopen it — sometimes the sidebar needs a moment to refresh.
Removing SharePoint from File Explorer if you need to
If you want to remove SharePoint from File Explorer later, right-click on the site name in the left sidebar and select Remove. This does not delete any files from SharePoint — it only removes the shortcut from File Explorer. You can always add it back later using the same steps.
If you change jobs or lose access to a SharePoint site, File Explorer will show an error when you try to click on it. You can remove it the same way, or leave it there and it will straightforward fail to load when you click it.
Troubleshooting when SharePoint will not connect
If you see an error message saying "The folder does not exist" or "You do not have permission," the most common causes are a typo in the address, an outdated password, or lack of access to that site. First, verify the address with your SharePoint owner — copy it directly from their email or message rather than typing it yourself. Second, make sure you are signed into Windows with the same account you use for SharePoint. If you are signed into Windows with a personal Microsoft account but your SharePoint uses a work email, you may need to sign out of Windows and sign back in with your work account.
If you recently changed your password, sign out of Windows completely and sign back in with your new password. File Explorer will then use the updated credentials. If none of these steps work, contact your IT department or the person who manages the SharePoint site — they can confirm whether your account has access and whether the site address is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sync SharePoint to use it in File Explorer?
No. Adding SharePoint to File Explorer and syncing are two separate things. File Explorer shows you the live files on the server without taking up space on your computer. Syncing creates a local copy that updates automatically. You can do either one, both, or neither — they do not interfere with each other.
Will other people see changes I make to files in File Explorer?
Yes. When you edit a file through File Explorer, the changes go directly to SharePoint, and other people see them when ready — the same as if you edited the file through the web browser. Make sure you are not editing a file that someone else is working on at the same time, because that can cause conflicts.
What if I have multiple SharePoint sites?
You can add as many SharePoint sites as you need to File Explorer by repeating the steps for each one. Each site will appear as a separate item in the sidebar, and you can click between them just like switching between folders.
Does SharePoint stay in File Explorer if I restart my computer?
Yes, as long as you stay signed into Windows with the same account. When you restart, File Explorer will reconnect to SharePoint automatically. If you sign out of Windows or switch to a different user account, SharePoint will no longer appear in that account's File Explorer.
Can I add SharePoint on a Mac?
Mac does not have File Explorer — it uses Finder instead. You can add SharePoint to Finder by going to Finder, clicking Go in the menu bar, selecting Connect to Server, and entering your SharePoint address. The process is similar but the steps are slightly different. Your IT department can walk you through it if you need help.