How to Copy a SharePoint File Path Without Scrolling Through Activity
Question details
The user needs a practical way to copy the exact file path of a document in SharePoint without having to scroll to the bottom of the Details pane.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Trying to copy a direct file path or link for a heavily accessed file in a SharePoint document library.
- Observed behavior
- The file path is located at the bottom of the Details pane, but thousands of activity notifications continuously load and shift the page layout, making it impossible to scroll down and copy the path.
Ensure you are logged into your Microsoft 365 account and have the necessary view or edit permissions for the SharePoint document library where the file is stored.
Use the Direct 'Copy Link' Option
Bypass the Details pane completely by generating a sharing link directly from the main document library view.
The fastest way to get a functional URL for your file without battling the continuously loading activity feed is to use the native sharing menu.
Navigate to the SharePoint document library and find the file you want to share.
Hover your cursor over the file name and click the ellipsis (...) icon that appears next to it.
Click 'Copy link' from the context menu. A dialog box will appear with a shareable URL.
Adjust the sharing permissions if necessary (e.g., 'People with existing access'), and click the 'Copy' button to save the link to your clipboard.
Open the File Location in Folder View
If you are viewing a file from a search result or recent feed, navigating to its actual folder can help you view the details without extreme activity loading.
Edit Your Downloaded SharePoint Documents with WPS Office
If you frequently download files from SharePoint to work locally, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office. Avoid the hassle of heavy interface loads and edit your documents with ease.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free suite and follow the straightforward installation instructions.
- 2. Open Downloaded Files: Locate the document you downloaded from SharePoint, right-click it, and select 'Open with WPS Office'.
- 3. Edit and Save: Utilize standard formatting tools to edit your document and save it locally in standard Microsoft formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the SharePoint activity list keep loading in the Details pane?
SharePoint dynamically loads the file's version history, edits, and view activities as you scroll. For heavily accessed or frequently edited files, this endless scrolling pushes static information like the file path completely out of view.
Can I disable the activity feed in the SharePoint Details pane?
Currently, Microsoft SharePoint does not offer a built-in toggle for individual users to completely hide or disable the activity feed within the Details pane. You have to rely on workarounds like the 'Copy link' button.
Is a copied SharePoint link the same as the exact file path?
No. A copied link is typically a generated shareable URL that includes access tokens and specific sharing permissions. An exact file path represents the literal directory structure (e.g., Sites/Documents/Folder/File.docx). However, a link set to 'People with existing access' serves the same functional purpose for routing users to the file.
