OneDrive File Issues

How to Map OneDrive or SharePoint as a Network Drive

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to map OneDrive for Business or SharePoint as a network drive but finds that older instructions are no longer effective.

Product: OneDrive for Business / SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Accessing cloud files via standard Windows File Explorer using a mapped network drive.
Observed behavior: Mapping OneDrive for Business and SharePoint as network drives using older d.docs.live.net and CID instructions fails because it is no longer supported.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active internet connection and your Microsoft 365 or OneDrive account credentials ready for logging into the sync application.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the OneDrive Sync Client (Recommended Alternative)

Since mapping OneDrive as a network drive is officially deprecated, installing the OneDrive sync client is the supported method to access your cloud files directly from File Explorer.

Microsoft has phased out network drive mapping for OneDrive and SharePoint due to performance and security updates. The modern and most reliable way to integrate these files into Windows is through the dedicated desktop sync application.

Download the sync client

Navigate to the official Microsoft website and download the latest version of the OneDrive desktop application.

Install and launch

Run the downloaded installer. Once installed, search for 'OneDrive' in your Windows Start menu and launch the application.

Sign in to your account

Enter your OneDrive for Business or Microsoft 365 credentials to log in and authorize the application.

Access files locally

Open Windows File Explorer. You will now see a dedicated 'OneDrive' folder in the left navigation pane containing all your synchronized files.

Local Searching Enabled: If your files are synchronized locally, they are automatically indexed and included when you use the search function in 'This PC'.

Solution 2

Submit Feedback to Microsoft

If your organization's workflow strictly relies on the traditional mapped network drive behavior, you can request support or provide feedback directly to Microsoft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Microsoft remove the network drive mapping feature for OneDrive?

Microsoft transitioned away from legacy network drive mapping because the modern OneDrive sync client offers significantly better reliability, offline file access, and stronger security protocols.

Does syncing OneDrive files take up my local hard drive space?

Not entirely. By enabling the 'Files On-Demand' feature in your OneDrive settings, you can view your files in File Explorer without downloading them. They only consume local storage space when you actively open or download them.

Can I still map SharePoint document libraries using Internet Explorer?

While the 'Open with Explorer' feature historically allowed this in Internet Explorer, modern browsers like Edge and Chrome do not support this ActiveX-based functionality. The Sync Client remains the only officially supported method.

Document & File Issues