How to Sync SharePoint Files with Windows 10 File Explorer
Question details
The user needs to synchronize a school team's SharePoint folder with their local PC but is unable to map the SharePoint URL as a network drive.
- Product
- SharePoint
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Attempting to add a custom network location or map a network drive by pasting a SharePoint or OneDrive setup URL into the network address field.
- Observed behavior
- Windows 10 displays an error reporting that the SharePoint or OneDrive URL is not a valid folder, preventing the network drive from being mapped.
Ensure you have the latest version of the Microsoft OneDrive client installed on your Windows 10 computer and that you are signed in with the same account that has access to the SharePoint site.
Use the OneDrive Sync Client (Recommended Method)
Microsoft's recommended approach for reliable offline access to SharePoint files is to use the native OneDrive sync client rather than mapping a network drive.
Mapping a SharePoint URL directly as a network drive in Windows 10 relies on legacy technologies like WebDAV, which frequently causes authentication errors or 'not a valid folder' prompts. Using the OneDrive sync feature provides a stable, seamlessly integrated connection with File Explorer.
Log in to your Microsoft 365 account through a web browser and navigate to the specific SharePoint site and document library you want to sync.
Locate and click the 'Sync' button in the toolbar at the top of the SharePoint document library.
Your browser will prompt you to open Microsoft OneDrive. Click 'Open' or 'Allow' to authorize the application to launch.
Follow the on-screen OneDrive prompts to finalize the synchronization. If prompted, verify your login credentials.
Open Windows File Explorer. Look for a new folder in the left navigation pane named after your organization (e.g., building icon). Your synced SharePoint files will appear here.
Edit Synced SharePoint Documents with WPS Office
After successfully syncing your team's SharePoint files to Windows 10 File Explorer, you can open and edit them seamlessly with WPS Office. WPS Office is a lightweight, fully equipped alternative to Microsoft Office that perfectly handles all popular document formats.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office on your Windows 10 computer.
- 2. Locate synced files: Open Windows File Explorer and navigate to your newly synchronized SharePoint folder.
- 3. Open and edit: Double-click any document or right-click and select 'Open with WPS Office' to start editing your team files instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Windows 10 say the SharePoint URL is not a valid folder?
This error occurs because mapping a network drive relies on legacy WebDAV protocols and Internet Explorer authentication tokens, which are largely deprecated or blocked by modern security settings in Windows 10 and Microsoft 365.
Can I sync only specific folders from a SharePoint library instead of everything?
Yes. After setting up the sync, click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, go to Settings > Account, find your synced SharePoint location, and click 'Choose folders' to select exactly which subfolders appear on your PC.
If I delete a synced SharePoint file in File Explorer, is it deleted for everyone?
Yes. Deleting a file from your synced folder in Windows File Explorer will move it to the SharePoint recycle bin, removing it for all team members. To simply free up disk space on your computer without deleting the file for others, right-click the file and select 'Free up space'.
Will my synced SharePoint files update automatically when others make changes?
Yes, as long as your computer is connected to the internet and the OneDrive sync client is running, any changes made by team members will automatically synchronize and update in your Windows File Explorer.
