Fix SharePoint File Explorer Not Showing All Documents
Question details
The user is unable to view all available documents in a SharePoint Online library when accessing it through the traditional File Explorer mode.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Accessing and managing a SharePoint document library locally via Windows File Explorer.
- Observed behavior
- Only a partial list of documents appears in File Explorer (e.g., 28 out of 81), even though all files are visible on the live site and correctly display through OneDrive synchronization.
Ensure you are signed into your Microsoft 365 account and have the latest version of the Microsoft OneDrive desktop client installed on your computer.
Use OneDrive Sync Instead of View in File Explorer
Switching to the modern OneDrive Sync client is the most reliable way to ensure all SharePoint files are fully visible and updated in File Explorer.
The 'View in File Explorer' feature is built on legacy technology originally designed for Internet Explorer. It is highly susceptible to displaying incomplete folders or failing entirely due to modern browser updates and environmental changes.
By syncing your SharePoint library with OneDrive, your files are natively integrated into File Explorer. This modern approach guarantees that the complete document library is visible and that local changes are synchronized automatically with the cloud.
Log in to your Microsoft 365 account via your web browser and navigate to the specific SharePoint document library you want to access locally.
Click the 'Sync' button located on the top command bar of the SharePoint document library.
A prompt will appear asking for permission to open Microsoft OneDrive. Click 'Allow' or 'Open' to launch the desktop application.
Open Windows File Explorer. Look for the building icon (usually labeled with your organization's name) in the left navigation pane to access and manage all synced SharePoint files.
Contact Administration for Mapped Network Drives
If organizational policies strictly require mapped network drives or View in File Explorer, IT support must investigate the specific environment.
Edit Synced SharePoint Documents with WPS Office
Once your SharePoint files are securely synced to your computer via OneDrive, you need a fast and reliable suite to open and edit them. WPS Office is a completely free, lightweight Microsoft Office alternative that handles synced documents flawlessly without the need for expensive subscriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does View in File Explorer hide certain documents?
View in File Explorer utilizes legacy WebDAV and Internet Explorer technologies. It often struggles to maintain a persistent, complete connection with modern SharePoint Online servers, which causes a partial rendering of files. OneDrive Sync utilizes modern API protocols to resolve this limitation.
Can I edit a SharePoint document offline if I use OneDrive sync?
Yes. If you sync your SharePoint library using OneDrive, you can mark specific files as 'Always keep on this device.' This allows you to edit the document offline, and your changes will automatically upload to SharePoint the next time you connect to the internet.
Will syncing an entire SharePoint library consume all my hard drive space?
No. By default, the modern OneDrive Sync client uses a feature called Files On-Demand. It displays placeholders for all your files in File Explorer, taking up almost no storage space. The actual file contents are downloaded only when you open a file.
