SharePoint Document Issues

How to Open a Synced SharePoint Folder in File Explorer

Partner Editor Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to open SharePoint files and folders directly in File Explorer instead of viewing them in a web browser.

How to Open a Synced SharePoint Folder in File Explorer

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Accessing and opening SharePoint documents that have been synchronized locally via OneDrive.
Observed behavior: SharePoint links normally open in a web browser by default, making it difficult to access the synchronized files directly from a local file manager.

Before you start

Ensure that you have the OneDrive desktop application installed and that you have previously synced the required SharePoint document library to your local computer.

Solution 1Recommended

Access Synced SharePoint Files Directly via File Explorer

Use this method to directly open files and folders that have already been synchronized to your local machine using OneDrive.

Once a SharePoint library is synchronized, it behaves like a standard local folder on your computer. You can access it without navigating through the web interface.

Launch File Explorer

Open File Explorer on your computer to view your local drives and synchronized cloud storage.

Locate the Organization Node

In the left navigation pane, look for the OneDrive section labeled with your organization's name (often depicted with a building icon).

Browse and Open

Navigate through the synchronized SharePoint library folders and double-click the required file to open it in your local desktop application.

Access Synced SharePoint Files Directly via File Explorer

Solution 2

Open SharePoint Links in Desktop Apps from the Browser

If you only have a shared web link and the folder isn't synced locally, you can force the file to open in a local desktop application directly from the web editor.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office to Edit Your Synced SharePoint Documents

While SharePoint and OneDrive handle your file synchronization, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office for opening and editing all your synced documents.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office on your computer.
2. Locate the Synced File: Open File Explorer and navigate to your synced SharePoint or OneDrive folder.
3. Open with WPS: Right-click the document, hover over 'Open with', and select WPS Office to begin editing.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office file formats like .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Lightweight architecture ensures large synced files open instantly from File Explorer.Free to use with a familiar user interface, ensuring a seamless migration.Built-in PDF editing tools for comprehensive document management.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert a SharePoint web link directly into a File Explorer path?

No, a standard shared SharePoint URL cannot be directly converted into a local File Explorer link. You must sync the specific document library to your computer using the OneDrive client first to access it locally.

Why do my SharePoint links always open in the web browser?

By default, Microsoft 365 is designed to open shared links in the web versions of its apps to ensure real-time collaboration. You can override this behavior by opening the file in the browser and clicking 'Open in Desktop App'.

How do I sync a SharePoint library to File Explorer?

Navigate to the SharePoint document library in your web browser and click the 'Sync' button in the top toolbar. Follow the prompts to open OneDrive, which will then create a local folder in File Explorer under your organization's name.

Can I use WPS Office to open files synced from SharePoint?

Yes. Once the SharePoint files are synced to your local File Explorer via OneDrive, you can open, edit, and save them using WPS Office just like any other local file on your hard drive.

Document & File Issues