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Fix SharePoint View in File Explorer Not Working on Windows Server 2016
Question details
The user is unable to open SharePoint Online documents using the View in File Explorer feature, as it gets stuck on a loading indicator.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- Windows Server 2016
- Scenario
- Attempting to access SharePoint Online files directly through the local File Explorer using Microsoft Edge for Business.
- Observed behavior
- Selecting View in File Explorer displays an endless loading indicator but fails to open the local File Explorer, despite no reported Edge policy errors.
Ensure your Microsoft Edge browser is updated to the latest version and verify that your Windows Server 2016 environment has active internet connectivity. Accessing SharePoint via File Explorer requires specific browser policies that may behave differently on server operating systems.
Verify Edge Policies and Escalate to Microsoft Support
Check your browser configurations and submit a support ticket, as Microsoft does not explicitly confirm Windows Server 2016 support for this feature.
The View in File Explorer feature relies heavily on specific Microsoft Edge policies and local system integrations. Since Microsoft documentation does not clearly confirm support for this exact feature on Windows Server 2016, verifying your setup and contacting Microsoft is the most reliable approach.
Open Microsoft Edge for Business, type 'edge://policy/' into the address bar, and press Enter. Verify that the 'ConfigureViewInFileExplorer' policy is present and shows no errors.
Ensure that your SharePoint Online tenant settings in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center allow access via File Explorer.
Navigate to the Microsoft 365 admin center, go to the Support tab, and select 'New service request'.
Provide Microsoft Support with your Windows Server 2016 OS details, the infinite loading behavior, and your Edge policy configuration to request an official investigation.
Map SharePoint as a Network Drive (Alternative Workaround)
If View in File Explorer remains unsupported, mapping the SharePoint document library as a network drive can provide similar local file access.
Seamlessly Manage and Edit Documents with WPS Office
Dealing with complex SharePoint syncing or Windows Server limitations can be frustrating. WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, allowing you to bypass complex browser policies and easily manage your files.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the Free Download button.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the suite on your machine.
- 3. Open and Edit: Launch WPS Office, sign in, and instantly open your document files without relying on complex network drive setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does View in File Explorer load infinitely on Windows Server 2016?
This usually happens because the required background services or Microsoft Edge policies that bridge the browser to the local file system are either unsupported or restricted by default on Windows Server 2016.
Is Internet Explorer required for SharePoint View in File Explorer?
Historically, yes. Microsoft Edge now supports this feature via the 'ConfigureViewInFileExplorer' policy, though its full compatibility and stability on older Server operating systems like 2016 remain unconfirmed by Microsoft.
Can I use the OneDrive sync client instead of View in File Explorer?
Yes. Microsoft highly recommends using the OneDrive sync app to sync SharePoint files directly to your local device, which is far more reliable than the legacy View in File Explorer feature.
How can I check if my Microsoft Edge policies are working correctly?
Type 'edge://policy/' into your Microsoft Edge address bar and press Enter. This diagnostic page will display all active policies and indicate if there are any syntax errors affecting SharePoint integration.
