OneDrive File Issues

How to Sync Desktop Files with SharePoint Without a Separate OneDrive Account

Khadija Khan Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

Organizations need to sync locally edited desktop files directly to a SharePoint library without creating or managing a separate OneDrive account.

How to Sync Desktop Files with SharePoint Without a Separate OneDrive Account

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Users want to edit files locally on their desktop and have them automatically update in a SharePoint document library.
Observed behavior: Users are looking for a reliable synchronization method that utilizes their existing Microsoft 365 organization credentials without relying on outdated network drive mapping.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into your computer's Microsoft account with the same Microsoft 365 organizational credentials that you use to access SharePoint.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the 'Add Shortcut to OneDrive' Feature in SharePoint

This is the most reliable and recommended method to sync SharePoint files to your desktop using your existing Microsoft 365 account system.

SharePoint and OneDrive for Business operate on the exact same Microsoft 365 account system. By adding a shortcut, your SharePoint folders will integrate directly into your existing organizational file explorer view without requiring a separate account login.

Navigate to your SharePoint library

Open your web browser, log in to your Microsoft 365 account, and navigate to the specific SharePoint document library you want to sync.

Add shortcut to OneDrive

Click the 'Add shortcut to OneDrive' button located in the top menu bar of the SharePoint document library.

Access files on your desktop

Open File Explorer on your desktop. You will now see the SharePoint folder appearing under your organization's OneDrive node, allowing you to edit files locally while syncing automatically.

Use the 'Add Shortcut to OneDrive' Feature in SharePoint

Synchronization Complete: Any changes made to the files in this desktop folder will now instantly sync with the cloud version in SharePoint.

Solution 2

Sync the SharePoint Library Using the OneDrive Sync Client

You can trigger the native sync client directly from SharePoint to maintain a dedicated local folder for your organization's files.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Your Synced SharePoint Files Seamlessly with WPS Office

Once your SharePoint files are synced to your desktop, you can open, edit, and save them using WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that works perfectly with your local synced folders.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your computer.
2. Open Synced Files: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and navigate to your synced SharePoint or organization folder in File Explorer.
3. Edit and Auto-Sync: Edit your documents normally. When you click 'Save', the background sync client will automatically push the updated files back to your Microsoft 365 SharePoint library.

Completely free and lightweight office suiteStrict format compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Familiar user interface requiring zero learning curveEdits made in WPS Office save directly to your synced folders, automatically updating SharePoint

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I map a network drive to SharePoint instead of using the sync client?

While mapping a network drive is technically possible in some legacy environments, Microsoft strongly advises against it. It is significantly less reliable, slower, and prone to authentication drops compared to using the Add shortcut to OneDrive feature or the native sync client.

Do I need to create a personal OneDrive account to sync SharePoint files?

No. SharePoint and OneDrive for Business utilize the same Microsoft 365 organizational account system. As long as you are logged in with your work or school credentials, you do not need to create or manage a separate personal account.

Where will my synced SharePoint files appear on my computer?

When using the sync client, your SharePoint files will appear in File Explorer under a folder sporting a building icon, named after your organization. If you use the 'Add shortcut to OneDrive' method, they will appear as linked folders within your standard OneDrive for Business directory.

Will deleting a synced SharePoint file on my desktop delete it for everyone?

Yes. If the folder is actively syncing, deleting a file from your local File Explorer will also delete it from the cloud SharePoint library for all users. To remove the folder from your PC without deleting cloud files, you must stop syncing the folder through the OneDrive client settings first.

Document & File Issues