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Map a SharePoint Library as a Network Drive on macOS
Question details
The user wants to connect macOS to a SharePoint document library as a live network drive without synchronizing files locally.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to access SharePoint files directly through Finder on a Mac without consuming local storage space.
- Observed behavior
- Native network drive mapping for SharePoint is supported on Windows but is not natively available or supported on macOS.
Ensure you have your Microsoft 365 credentials ready and a stable internet connection before setting up an alternative SharePoint access method on your Mac.
Use the OneDrive Sync Client with Files On-Demand
Since native mapping is unsupported, using the OneDrive app with Files On-Demand is the official and most efficient workaround for macOS.
While macOS cannot map SharePoint as a traditional network drive, the OneDrive sync application includes a 'Files On-Demand' feature. This allows you to browse the entire SharePoint library directly in Mac Finder without actually downloading the files to your hard drive until you open them.
Download the OneDrive sync application from the Mac App Store or the official Microsoft website and complete the installation process.
Launch the OneDrive application and sign in using your Microsoft 365 work or school account credentials.
Open a web browser, navigate to your SharePoint document library, and click the 'Sync' button in the top toolbar. Allow the browser to open Microsoft OneDrive when prompted.
Open the OneDrive Settings on your Mac, navigate to the Preferences tab, and ensure that the 'Files On-Demand' option is turned on to save local disk space.
Use Third-Party Drive Mounting Software
If you strictly require network drive behavior without using OneDrive, you can use specialized third-party mounting software.
Access the Library via Web Browser
The simplest method to access and manage SharePoint files without installing any additional software.
Edit SharePoint Documents Easily with WPS Office for Mac
While mapping SharePoint on a Mac requires workarounds, viewing and editing your downloaded Office documents shouldn't be complicated. WPS Office provides a fast, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office for macOS, letting you seamlessly edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files for free.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free version of WPS Office for your Mac.
- 2. Open downloaded files: Locate the documents you downloaded or synced from SharePoint and open them directly in WPS Office.
- 3. Edit and save: Make your changes using professional editing tools and save them in native Microsoft formats for seamless sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use WebDAV to map a SharePoint drive on macOS?
While WebDAV used to be a common workaround for mapping SharePoint drives, Microsoft has deprecated WebDAV support for SharePoint Online. It is no longer a reliable, secure, or officially supported method for connecting on a Mac.
Why does macOS not natively support SharePoint drive mapping?
macOS utilizes different network file protocols than Windows. SharePoint's native 'View in File Explorer' and network mapping features rely on Windows-specific technologies, such as the WebClient service, which are not present in the macOS architecture.
Will using the OneDrive sync client take up my Mac's local storage?
Not if you use the 'Files On-Demand' feature. When enabled, your SharePoint files appear in Finder as online-only placeholders. They do not consume local hard drive space until you specifically double-click them to download and open.
