SharePoint Document Issues

How to Pin a SharePoint URL to Windows File Explorer Quick Access

Emma Brown Oct 14, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to make entire SharePoint workspaces and libraries available in Windows File Explorer by pinning the URL to Quick Access, rather than just syncing individual libraries.

How to Pin a SharePoint URL to File Explorer Quick Access

Product: SharePoint Online, Windows File Explorer
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to map and pin an entire SharePoint workspace URL into File Explorer for easier document navigation and management.
Observed behavior: Some users can successfully paste the URL into File Explorer and pin it, while others experience failures. Copying the URL from Chrome often fails, whereas Edge succeeds.

Before you start

Ensure you are signed into your Microsoft account on your Windows device and have the necessary access permissions for the target SharePoint workspace.

Solution 1Recommended

Copy the SharePoint URL Using Microsoft Edge

Different browsers format clipboard data differently. Copying the SharePoint URL from Microsoft Edge ensures Windows File Explorer recognizes it correctly.

Many users experience connection failures in File Explorer when copying the SharePoint workspace URL from Google Chrome. Because Windows File Explorer and Microsoft Edge share deep OS integrations, using Edge to copy the link prevents URL formatting issues.

Open SharePoint in Edge

Launch Microsoft Edge and navigate to the specific SharePoint workspace or library you want to pin.

Copy the URL

Click on the address bar at the top of the browser to highlight the full URL, right-click it, and select 'Copy'.

Paste into File Explorer

Open Windows File Explorer, click on the address bar at the top, paste the copied SharePoint URL, and press Enter to load the directory.

Pin to Quick Access

Once the SharePoint workspace loads successfully, right-click on 'Quick access' in the left-hand navigation pane and select 'Pin current folder to Quick access'.

Copy the SharePoint URL Using Microsoft Edge

Recommended Browser: Always use Microsoft Edge when creating network locations or mapping Windows features to Microsoft 365 web services.

Solution 2

Add SharePoint to Trusted Sites in Internet Options

Adding the SharePoint domain to your local Trusted Sites list bypasses strict security blocks that prevent File Explorer from accessing the web directory.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management

While resolving SharePoint and Windows File Explorer connectivity issues, consider trying WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that easily handles all your daily document needs.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your computer.
3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and easily open any Office files directly from your synced local folders or cloud drives.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Lightweight installation with a familiar, easy-to-use tabbed interface.Seamlessly open, edit, and save documents downloaded from SharePoint workspaces.Built-in PDF reader and editor for comprehensive document workflows.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is syncing individual SharePoint libraries not recommended for entire workspaces?

Syncing individual libraries via the OneDrive sync client only exposes those specific folders locally. It does not provide a holistic view of the entire SharePoint workspace, making navigation cumbersome if you need to browse across multiple disparate libraries.

Why does copying the URL from Google Chrome cause File Explorer errors?

Google Chrome and other third-party browsers sometimes format copied URLs or handle authentication differently in the clipboard. File Explorer relies on native Windows protocols, which Microsoft Edge perfectly preserves when copying a SharePoint link.

Do I need administrator privileges to add Trusted Sites in Windows?

In most cases, you can add Trusted Sites for your individual user profile without needing full administrator rights. However, if your organization uses a strict Group Policy, these settings may be locked out, and you will need to contact your IT department to have the SharePoint URL whitelisted globally.

Document & File Issues