How to Use a SharePoint Folder for Word Personal Templates
Question details
The user wants to set a SharePoint folder as the default location for personal or organizational templates in Microsoft Word but encounters an error or rejection when using the direct URL.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing or accessing organizational templates stored on SharePoint directly within Word's template gallery.
- Observed behavior
- Word rejects the direct SharePoint folder URL in the Personal Templates Location setting, expecting a valid local or supported network path.
Ensure you have the OneDrive desktop app installed and signed in with the same Microsoft account that has access to the SharePoint document library containing your templates.
Sync SharePoint with OneDrive and Update Word File Locations
The most reliable method is to sync the SharePoint template library to your local File Explorer using OneDrive, then point Word to this local directory.
Microsoft Word's 'File Locations' setting requires a mapped local drive, a local folder, or a standard UNC network path. It cannot directly parse an HTTPS SharePoint URL as a local file directory. By syncing the library locally, you bypass this limitation while keeping templates automatically updated via the cloud.
Navigate to your SharePoint document library in your web browser. Click the 'Sync' button in the top toolbar to connect it with your OneDrive desktop app.
Open File Explorer and look for your organization's name in the left navigation pane. Verify that the SharePoint folder is now visible and syncing locally to your PC.
Open Microsoft Word. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, select 'Options' at the bottom, and then click on 'Advanced' in the left pane.
Scroll all the way down to the 'General' section and click the 'File Locations' button.
Select 'Personal Templates' (or 'Workgroup Templates' if these are shared organizational files) and click 'Modify'. Browse to the newly synced local SharePoint folder in File Explorer and click 'OK' to save the path.
Discover WPS Office for Seamless Template Management
If configuring SharePoint and Word template paths feels too complex, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, featuring built-in cloud storage integration and an extensive library of ready-to-use templates.
- 1. Download and Install: Download the free WPS Office installer from the official website and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install it on your device.
- 2. Access the Template Gallery: Open WPS Office and click on the 'Templates' tab on the home screen to browse thousands of professional, pre-formatted templates.
- 3. Save Custom Templates: Create your own document and go to 'Menu' > 'Save As' > 'WPS Writer Template' to easily store it in your custom template folder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word reject my direct SharePoint URL for personal templates?
Word's File Locations setting requires a mapped local drive, a local folder path (like C:\Users\Name\...), or a standard UNC network path. It is not designed to parse standard HTTPS SharePoint URLs directly within that specific dialogue box.
What is the difference between Personal and Workgroup templates in Word?
Personal templates are meant for individual users and are typically stored locally. Workgroup templates are intended to be shared across an organization or team. Setting the Workgroup Templates path to a synced SharePoint folder is the best practice for company-wide template distribution.
Can I use this synced folder method for Excel and PowerPoint as well?
Yes. While Excel and PowerPoint typically only provide a standard 'Personal Templates' location setting in their options (unlike Word's detailed File Locations menu), you can point this setting to the exact same synced local SharePoint folder.
Will updating a template file in SharePoint automatically update it in my desktop Word?
Yes. Once synced via the OneDrive client, any updates or changes made to the template file on the SharePoint server will automatically sync to your local machine in the background, making the latest version available the next time you open Word.
