SharePoint Document Issues

How to Open a Network Folder from a SharePoint Quick Links Web Part

Huda Qurayshi Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users want to know how to add and open local or network folder links (file://) using the modern Quick Links web part in SharePoint.

How to Open a Network Folder from a SharePoint Quick Links Web Part

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to add a hyperlink pointing to an on-premises network shared folder within a modern SharePoint page's Quick Links web part.
Observed behavior: Modern SharePoint pages actively block network-share links (like file://servername/folder/), preventing the links from being saved or clicked in the Quick Links web part.

Before you start

Verify your organization's file storage policies, as modern web environments restrict direct browser access to local network drives for security reasons.

Solution 1Recommended

Migrate Network Content to a SharePoint Document Library

Since modern SharePoint pages do not support direct network folder links, migrating the actual files into a SharePoint Document Library is the most effective workaround.

Modern web browsers and SharePoint environments implement strict security protocols that prevent web pages from interacting directly with a user's local file system or local network shares. Moving your files to the cloud ensures they are securely accessible via standard web links (https://).

Create a new Document Library

Navigate to your SharePoint site, click on 'New' in the top menu, and select 'Document library'. Give it a relevant name.

Upload your network files

Open the newly created library, click 'Upload', and select 'Folder' or 'Files' to transfer the contents from your on-premises network drive into SharePoint.

Copy the library URL

Once the upload is complete, copy the URL of the Document Library or the specific folder from your browser's address bar.

Add to Quick Links

Edit your modern SharePoint page, edit the Quick Links web part, click 'Add links', and choose 'From a link'. Paste the HTTPS URL you copied in the previous step.

Migrate Network Content to a SharePoint Document Library

Seamless Accessibility: By hosting your files in SharePoint, users can access the documents from any device or location without needing an active VPN connection to the local network.

Solution 2

Provide Feedback to Microsoft 365

If migrating your files to the cloud is not an option for your organization, you can submit a formal feature requirement to Microsoft.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Create and Edit Office Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office

While SharePoint handles your web-based file sharing, you still need a reliable tool to create, edit, and manage your documents before uploading them. WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office, perfect for personal and professional use.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and easily open any existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files directly from your computer or network drive.
3. Edit and Save: Edit your documents using the intuitive tools, then save them locally before uploading them to your SharePoint Document Library.

Completely free and lightweight office suiteFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsFamiliar user interface with zero learning curveSeamless local and cloud document management

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does SharePoint block file:// links on modern pages?

Modern SharePoint pages and modern web browsers block file:// links as a security measure. This prevents potentially malicious web scripts from accessing local files, executing local programs, or mapping internal network structures.

Is there any supported workaround to add a network folder link in the Quick Links web part?

Currently, there is no supported workaround for adding local network-share links to a modern Quick Links web part. Microsoft's recommended approach is to transition local files into a SharePoint Document Library or OneDrive.

Do classic SharePoint pages still support network folder links?

Classic SharePoint pages may still allow file:// links depending on your specific browser security settings and enterprise policies. However, Microsoft recommends migrating to modern pages for improved performance, security, and mobile responsiveness.

Document & File Issues