SharePoint Document Issues

How to Access SharePoint Files in File Explorer Without Internet Explorer

Steven Parker Oct 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users need a reliable way to access and view SharePoint document libraries within File Explorer since the legacy mapped-drive method has stopped working.

How to Access SharePoint Files in File Explorer After Internet Explorer Retirement

Product: SharePoint / File Explorer
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to access a SharePoint document library locally in Windows File Explorer.
Observed behavior: Legacy SharePoint mapped-drive access fails because Microsoft 365 services no longer support Internet Explorer 11.

Before you start

Ensure that the Microsoft OneDrive desktop application is installed, running on your device, and signed in with your organization's Microsoft 365 credentials.

Solution 1Recommended

Use OneDrive to Sync the SharePoint Document Library

The most reliable and modern method to access SharePoint files locally is by using the native Sync feature, which integrates the library directly into File Explorer.

Because Microsoft 365 services no longer support Internet Explorer 11, traditional network drive mapping is no longer reliable. Microsoft strongly recommends using the OneDrive client to sync SharePoint libraries instead, providing a faster and more stable connection to your cloud files.

Navigate to the SharePoint site

Log in to your Microsoft 365 account via your web browser and open the specific SharePoint document library you want to access in File Explorer.

Trigger the Sync process

Click the 'Sync' button located in the top command bar of the document library.

Allow OneDrive to open

If your browser prompts you for permission, click 'Open Microsoft OneDrive' to allow the application to handle the sync request.

Access files in File Explorer

Open File Explorer. You will now see a new folder icon in the left navigation pane named after your organization (e.g., a building icon). Click it to access your synced SharePoint files.

Use OneDrive to Sync the SharePoint Document Library

Files On-Demand: By default, syncing does not download all files to your local drive. It uses the Files On-Demand feature, keeping files in the cloud until you double-click them to open and edit.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Seamlessly Edit Synced SharePoint Documents with WPS Office

Once your SharePoint files are synced to File Explorer, you need a fast and reliable office suite to edit them. WPS Office provides a highly compatible, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office, allowing you to open and save your cloud documents without expensive subscriptions.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite from the official website.
2. Locate Synced Files: Open File Explorer and navigate to your newly synced organization folder containing the SharePoint files.
3. Edit and Auto-Sync: Double-click any document to open it in WPS Office. When you hit save, OneDrive will automatically sync your changes back to the SharePoint server.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Directly open, edit, and save synced SharePoint files directly from Windows File Explorer.Free, lightweight, and features a fast installation process compared to heavy Microsoft 365 apps.Familiar user interface ensuring a seamless migration with zero learning curve.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still map a network drive to SharePoint without Internet Explorer?

While Microsoft still provides legacy documentation for mapping a network drive, it is highly discouraged and frequently fails without Internet Explorer 11. Syncing via the OneDrive client is the supported and recommended approach.

Will syncing a SharePoint library consume all my local hard drive space?

No. Modern OneDrive sync utilizes a feature called 'Files On-Demand'. This means you can see the entire library structure in File Explorer, but the files themselves are only downloaded locally when you specifically open them.

How do I stop a SharePoint library from syncing to File Explorer?

Right-click the blue OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray and select Settings. Go to the Account tab, find the specific SharePoint location you no longer need, and click 'Stop sync'.

Document & File Issues